MEDICINAL MARIJUANA USE SHOULD NOT BE A CRIME

I am a mother who uses medical marijuana to help cope with intractable
migraines. I have had five intercranial aneurysms and survived the
brain surgery to remove them.

Marijuana is the only medicine that adequately relieves my symptoms
enough so I can live an enjoyable, productive and pain-free life.

Unfortunately, the commonwealth of Massachusetts does not recognize
medical marijuana. In the eyes of the law, I am a criminal for using
this medicine that allows me to survive. There is some hope for me
this year in the Massachusetts Legislature.

There are two marijuana bills in the Joint Criminal Justice Committee
(HB207 and SB2329) that, if passed, would make marijuana possession
punishable by only a fine. I would still have to break the law to use
my medicine, but at least I would not have to risk arrest,
imprisonment and have my legal parental status threatened.

I hope that my legislator on the committee, Rep. Reed Hillman,
R-Sturbridge, keeps my plight in mind when he votes on the bills.