NEXT SENATOR SHOULD CONSIDER MARIJUANA BILL

EDITOR: Regarding the Wausau Daily Herald's Jan. 5 editorial, "Accepting
applications for Shibilski's replacement," the new state senator should
have the integrity, courage and compassion to take the initiative and lead
the Legislature to pass a state medical-marijuana-use bill to Gov. Jim
Doyle for his signature.

Political game-playing in the last legislative session doomed bills that
would have protected sick and dying Wisconsin residents from arrest and
jail for using medicinal pot to ease their suffering. The bill was snuffed
despite a poll finding over 80 percent of state residents support
legalizing medical marijuana use. A new bill is expected to be introduced
soon in the Assembly.

Too many legislators act like even medical use of marijuana is dangerous,
when they should have mercy and consider that accidents or serious illness
can strike anyone at any time, and if it does, every option for pain relief
ought to be considered.

A state senator who puts science ahead of politics and who understands that
cannabis is a natural, safe and effective treatment option would be the
ideal replacement for Kevin Shibilski. Hopefully a candidate with these
qualities will be on the ballot.

Gary Storck, Madison