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Ohio Patient Network, Ohio Patient Action Network, Medical Marijuana Action
Network, North Ohio NORML, and Ohio Cannabis Society share the common goal of
changing Ohio law so as to protect her patients, physicians and caregivers from
the prejudice, bigotry and prosecution of these chronically and terminally ill
patients.
Mission Impossible? Not according to the compassionate people in Ohio working
tirelessly to end this madness.
1996 was the last formal judicial hearing we had to keep the Medical Necessity
Defense in the State of Ohio. I was one of many who testified in a standing room
only judicial political arena. After my testimony, it brought the Legislators
to tears and I received a standing ovation. Mind you our then Governor, now Senator
George Voinovich was not present to hear the heartbreaking, compelling testimonies.
The majority vote ruled to keep the necessity defense in only for Georgie boy
to put a halt to it with his veto. No compassion from a man who had tragedy in
his life when he lost his daughter to a drunk driver - would he have done anything
he could to keep his child alive? I would dare say so.
Since the repeal of the Medical Necessity Defense was vetoed down in 1996, three
of the brave people who testified are sadly now deceased and one pioneer of freedom
who with so many other dedicated people who made that day happen in 1996 is now
clinging to life because of the prejudice and bigotry he experienced as a transplant
applicant who had been denied because of his cannabis use.
How many more before this madness is stopped?
The people of Ohio have spoken over and over. We have met with our legislators
for years, and the lame excuse that "we need more proof" is hogwash.
They each have been given all of the material that is available and they have
been educated face to face. Remember taking your first baby step - well come on,
we have baby-stepped our way into the Statehouse. Now it is time to hold your
head up, take each step with confidence and those in wheelchairs let them see
that because you are unable to walk that doesn't mean you cannot stand up for
your rights.
This rusty wheel has been turning for so long it is time for us to grease it!
Ground has been broken at the Statehouse and now we need all to speak up and
come out of the closet. PLEASE, call or write your elected officials - that
is their job - they work for us. They must listen to the wants and desires of
their constituents. If they don't hear from us, nothing will get accomplished
- remember "the squeaky wheel gets greased".
I would love to see all of us activists at the Statehouse at one time so we can
show them the unity, the seriousness, and I pray that not one more patient is
prosecuted, persecuted or suffer another loss of life - a life that leaves a grieving
family behind.
Eleanor Ahrens
Vice President
Ohio Patient Network
eahrens@ohiopatient.net |
