MEDICAL MARIJUANA SPEAK UP

Wisconsin wants medical marijuana. Agreement on this topic transcends
party lines.

In 2002, a survey done by Chamberlain Research Consultants found that
80% of Wisconsinites favor our state Legislature passing a medical
marijuana bill. Last year, Gov. Jim Doyle voiced his agreement with
the Obama administration's position not to prosecute those in
possession of legal medical marijuana. Our governor also has said that
he would sign a medical marijuana bill if one were to pass.

Fourteen states have enacted medical marijuana programs already, and
many more are strongly considering it. Among these states are many of
our neighbors. Michigan recently has done so. Minnesota passed
legislation, only to have the governor veto it. In Illinois, medical
marijuana legislation has passed the state Senate and is awaiting a
vote in the House. The Iowa Pharmacy Board has recommended that the
state legalize marijuana for therapeutic use.

So why, even with this broad local and regional support, have so many
of our state representatives been silent about their opinion on
Wisconsin's currently proposed Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana bill?
Have they not heard our letters, calls, lobbying efforts, and
grass-roots events?

I think we need to be louder.

Brian Hockers

Wauwatosa