SOME DON'T UNDERSTAND NEEDS OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA PATIENTS

Today is a very sad day. As a medical marijuana caregiver, it is
always sad to read in the obituaries that one of your patients has
died from the debilitating effects of cancer.

I watched her struggle with her disease for the better part of a year.
She never complained or showed any sign of ill will toward anyone. She
never complained even when she was so weak that she could barely walk
into our store to purchase the cannabis that allowed her to combat the
constant nausea that she suffered throughout her illness. She never
complained when she read almost daily in The Billings Gazette that she
was being demonized and accused of criminal behavior. She never spoke
an ill word against those who call themselves "Christians" and
systematically try to repeal the law that allowed her to medicate with
cannabis. She gracefully endured the insulting accusations by the
group "Safe Community, Safe Kids," who constantly insinuated that her
medical cannabis was somehow harming schoolchildren. This gentle
spirit has gone to a place where she will be judged for her valor and
her inner beauty.

It is ironic that in the very same Gazette in which her obituary
appeared, a member of Safe Community, Safe Kids has printed an appeal
to call the governor and urge him to sign the medical marijuana repeal
bill. I am guessing there is a special set of rules for judging people
who are so intolerant, judgmental, uncompassionate and quick to
condemn other members of our community. I hope to witness the event
when those rules are applied.

William Reid

Billings