VOTE FOR COMPASSION

Initiated Measure 4 is a compassionate measure to protect sick and
dying people from arrest. I'm one of them, a Gulf War veteran who was
exposed to nerve agents during my service. As a result, I suffer from
a degenerative muscular disease that ended my career and will likely
cut my life short.

I've been prescribed virtually every FDA-approved narcotic and opiate
on the market. These prescription painkillers not only have failed to
relieve my deep inner-muscle pain, they left me in a fog, unable to
function. I could even not remember what my family said the day before.

Moderate amounts of medical marijuana ease my pain and suffering while
still allowing me to interact with my family and friends, and remember
and enjoy those moments that soon will be gone.

In a White House-commissioned report on medical marijuana, the
Institute of Medicine found, "there will likely always be a
subpopulation of patients who do not respond well to other
medications." That's me they're talking about. If you've never lived
with daily pain, I hope you never have to.

I ask you to look into your heart and vote for compassion, science and
common sense. Vote Yes on Measure 4.

Valerie Hannah

Hill City