MEDICATION SHOULD BE A PRIVATE MATTER

Going to your doctor used to be a private matter, but maybe not for
long.

What medication you need is not something the government has any
business knowing or dictating. Governments don't go to medical school,
people who become doctors do. Yet, if SB423, the medical marijuana
reform bill, becomes law any physician certifying 25 or more patients
for the use of medical marijuana triggers an investigation before the
state medical board. No probable cause other than recommending a
patient's suitability to use medical marijuana under existing law.

How many physicians in the state will subject themselves to a
career-blemishing investigation?

SB423 also requires patients to see two physicians before using
chronic pain as a qualifying condition. This is an unreasonable
expense on the patient and discriminates against patients with chronic
pain. As an emergency physician, I've learned pain is relative. I've
seen patients in pain from a myriad of conditions, some serious, some
not. Pain is complex. One study reported 85 percent of women with
chronic pain have a childhood history of sexual or physical abuse.
Which of the legislators who concocted this bill has practiced medicine?

If Montanans were mad about Obamacare, they should be livid about
SB423. The bill is repeal in disguise setting dangerous precedent
regarding the way medicine may be practiced in Montana. The bill
assumes doctors can't be trusted and need bureaucratic oversight to
properly do their jobs that took them years to learn.

The medical marijuana program needs significant reform. The governor
has until May 13 to veto the bill; otherwise it becomes law on July
1.

I implore you to take the time to call Gov. Schweitzer's office
(444-3111) and urge him to veto SB423.

Michael Geci, M.D. Bozeman