MEDICAL MARIJUANA

I had to shake my head after reading the sad story of Derryle
Johnson's treatment by the Ocean Spray company, "Death raises
questions about health insurance system" (Aug. 15). Esophageal cancer
is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. I lost a good friend to it
and he suffered greatly.

Who could blame Derryle Johnson if he used marijuana to ease his
suffering and allow him to try to work and support his family? This is
why we need a medical marijuana law so sick and dying people aren't
fired for trying to regain a little quality of life. The action by
Ocean Spray is nothing short of immoral.

And while Ocean Spray is wrong, most of the blame lies with cowardly
politicians who lack the courage to do the right thing and follow the
wishes of the overwhelming majority of state residents who support
legalizing medical marijuana. For example, Congressman Paul Ryan again
voted in July to continue federal funding to target medical marijuana
patients and providers, even in states that have legalized it.

Voters need to fully inform themselves where candidates stand and vote
accordingly this November, so there are no more stories of sick people
being fired and losing their insurance, being arrested and losing
their freedom and their homes or any of the other atrocities that have
been committed against sick and dying Americans for the crime of
trying to cope with serious illness.

Gary Storck

co-founder, Is My Medicine Legal YET?

Madison