I got tired of waiting for the Delaware government to work out how they were going to address the medical marijuana bill that passed almost 2 years ago. I didn't know how to proceed or who was responsible, so I started by asking my representatives.
On Thursday, March 20, 2014 5:16
PM, PAM STEWART <pamstew1@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hello
Representative Kowalko and Senator Sokola,
I am
writing to you as my state legislative representatives. I am hoping you can
direct me on how to proceed.
I have
chronic progressive multiple sclerosis and had contacted Representative
Schooley regarding the Medical Marijuana Bill. I appreciated her assistance in
getting the bill passed, but apparently there is still work to be done, since
there is no method of distribution of the medical marijuana set up yet. I have
a doctor who has agreed to write a prescription for the medical marijuana to
aid me in appetite improvement, and spasticity and pain management. Now I need
your help so that someday soon, there will be a way to fill the prescription.
I find
the current situation very frustrating... This new medical option is legal in
our state, but it seems as if the legislature stopped there and no one bothered
to figure out the next step. Is there someone currently working on this
problem? If so, can you provide me with their email address? If no one is
working on this, can you help me ‘shake things up’ so to speak?
If we can
get this distribution problem worked out, I hope to see you at the next
Democratic Fundraiser in Newark. I’m the one in the fancy power chair. Until
then, I appreciate your hard work, gentlemen. Keep it up!
Sincerely,
Pam
Stewart
Professional
Editing Services
Newark, Delaware
When I didn't get an answer after almost 3 weeks, I sent the following email…
To my state legislators,
I was very surprised to note that when I looked over my records, I
found I had not received any acknowledgment of the attached email I sent on
March 20.
In reviewing it, I noticed I had not included my street address,
so you could not confirm that I was in your district. I am assuming that this
is the reason I have not heard from your offices.
The availability of medical marijuana is of great importance to me
and my fellow multiple sclerosis sufferers, as well as those Delaware residents
with chronic illnesses. Medical marijuana is less dangerous and addictive than
the opiates we are forced to take instead.
Please review the attached email. I look forward to hearing about
your efforts on behalf of those Delaware residents in need of medical
marijuana.
Thank you,
Pam Stewart
Professional Editing Services
105 Dallas Ave.
Newark, Delaware 19711
I think my representatives was a little embarrassed because he responded the same day I sent this second email… Sunday afternoon
My apologies for not responding sooner. I voted for and helped pass this
important piece of legislation and I think we, as legislators, have moved it to
a point where the only reason it has been delayed rests with the
Administration. The Governor doesn't seem very enthusiastic about it and I
cannot fathom why. I certainly question the legitimacy of worrying about legal
risks and ramifications from the Feds. I honestly believe that you will have to
seek answers from the executive branch since I don't believe there is anything
more we can do legislatively. I do want to express my sympathy and empathy for
your situation and that of others who could use these proven benefits of
legalization for medical purposes. I was and remain a very enthusiastic
supporter of medical marijuana and will not compromise my beliefs that it is
necessary and overdue. Unfortunately I have very little influence with this
administration and advise that organized public pressure should be exerted to
bring things to a climax. I would respectfully suggest phone calls, hard
mailings and e-mailings to the administration with a demand for a written
status update.
Respectfully,
John Kowalko
S
I took his suggestion seriously, and wrote the following email to Gov. Markell. I'll let you know how that goes.
Gov. Markel:
I am writing to you regarding your
stand on medical marijuana. I'm a long time Delaware resident with chronic
progressive multiple sclerosis. I take multiple drugs, some of them addictive
with serious side effects, to manage pain and spasticity. In spite of the
medications, I continue to have problems with these issues and because of
nausea and appetite suppression caused by the medications I have lost
approximately 15 pounds in the past two years.
In the past, I worked with my state
legislators, lobbying for the medical marijuana bill. I was relieved and
excited when the bill passed. I lined up a doctor who agreed to write the
prescription, and anxiously awaited the announcement that distribution centers
had been set up and I could begin receiving my new medication. I'm still
waiting…
Governor, I've never used marijuana in
my life. I have never smoked any product, legal or otherwise. Medical marijuana
to me is a medicine not a recreational drug. It's a medicine that has fewer
side effects and is less addictive than the legal drugs I currently take.
I realize that medical marijuana is
not legal on the federal level, but there are several issues to be considered.
·
Myself
and many other chronically ill, Delaware residents need this medication.
·
State
legislature has legalized medical marijuana.
·
Several
other states have begun distribution without major federal repercussions.
Sir, I urge you to finish the job that
the Delaware legislature began. Please authorize distribution centers and
distribution of medical marijuana.
Thank you,
Pam Stewart
And please drive his office crazy about medical marijuana. Thanks