Editorial Source: Wisconsin State Journal Wisconsin -- Advocates for legalizing marijuana for medical use in Wisconsin are rallying support at this weekend's Great Midwest Marijuana Harvest Festival for a bill they say is expected to be introduced by Rep. Gregg Underheim, R-Oshkosh. Underheim, who chairs the Assembly's Health Committee, said in June that after talking with cancer survivors while he was receiving treatment for prostate cancer, he planned to introduce legislation to allow limited use of medical marijuana when prescribed by a doctor. He could not be reached for comment today. Local advocate Gary Storck said members of the Wisconsin Coalition for Safe Access plan to make an announcement at the Capitol on Monday, when they also will deliver cards signed by medical marijuana supporters to state legislators. The cards cite surveys that found 80 percent of people in Wisconsin and across the country support access to medical marijuana. Storck said there are already 15 co-sponsors of the bill, including Reps. Mark Pocan and Spencer Black, both Madison Democrats. Pocan said many people he has talked to believe that marijuana can be helpful in alleviating pain and creating an appetite, and provides a more holistic option to treating symptoms than other drugs. Black said he sees no reason why marijuana should not be available to help patients with cancer and other illnesses when prescribed by a doctor. "Many states ranging from conservative to progressive have passed legislation like this," Black said. "I would hope Wisconsin would as well." "I think we have our first real chance," said longtime local advocate Ben Masel. A medical marijuana bill introduced four years ago never made it out the Assembly's Health Committee, Masel said, adding that Underheim, who also chaired the committee then, opposed it at that time. Storck, who helped establish the organization Is My Medicine Legal Yet?, credits the marijuana he has used daily for more than 30 years with saving his eyesight by reducing pressure caused by glaucoma. Marijuana also alleviates his chronic pain caused by degenerative disc disease and arthritis, he said. After almost dying following heart surgery in 1997, Storck said, "I decided to use this extra time I was given to get medical marijuana (legalized) in Wisconsin." The 35th annual Great Midwest Marijuana Harvest Festival brought advocates from California and Washington, D.C., to join local supporters Saturday in speaking out in favor of legalizing marijuana for medical and recreational purposes. The festival will resume at 1 p.m. today on Library Mall with bluegrass music by Barleycorn and a parade up State Street to a rally on the Capitol steps. The parade will begin at about 2:45 p.m. Dr. Tod Mikuriya, a leading figure in the medical marijuana movement in California, said that nearly 150,000 patients have benefited from medical marijuana since it was legalized in that state nearly 10 years ago. Mikuriya said the federal government is protecting big pharmaceutical companies by opposing medical use of marijuana in favor of drugs that are less effective and can have severe side effects. Other advocates, such as R. Keith Stroup of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws in Washington, D.C., and Mikki Norris of the Cannabis Consumers Campaign in El Cerrito, Calif., are drawing on the battle for civil rights by gays and lesbians in urging recreational marijuana users to come out of the closet. Stroup said many people were brought up amid cultural opposition to marijuana in the era of "Reefer Madness" and have an image of pot smokers as long-haired hippies burning draft cards. But that is changing, Stroup said, adding that 47 percent of Americans today have smoked marijuana. "We're within a couple of years of having more Americans who have smoked than not." In the last year, 27 million Americans smoked marijuana, Stroup said. "We're just average Americans. We're certainly not criminals." Yet of the 755,000 arrests for marijuana in the United States last year, he said, 88 percent were for simple possession. Norris' group also is working to dispel the myths and negative stereotypes associated with marijuana use. Its Web site -- http://www.cannabisconsumers.org -- features photos and profiles of 260 marijuana users "to show we are basically good, contributing members of society." Source: Wisconsin State Journal (WI) Author: Sandy Cullen Published: October 1, 2005 Copyright: 2005 Madison Newspapers, Inc. Contact: wsjopine@madison.com Website: http://www.wisconsinstatejournal.com/ Link to article: http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21155.shtml
By Andrew Geisthardt Source: Daily Cardinal Wisconsin -- Harvest Fest 2005 celebrated its 35th year in Madison this weekend, attracting activists and pot smokers from as far away as California. Kicking off the festivities with a Friday-night fund-raiser hosted by the Cardinal Bar, festival attendees were treated to a host of bluegrass, jam and rock music Saturday and Sunday on Library Mall. Prominent speakers such as Keith Stroup, founder and former head of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, also bolstered support. Vendors selling everything from folk art and t-shirts to glass pipes and jewelry descended on the Square, joining booths set up for interest groups such as the American Cannabis Society and Is My Medicine Legal Yet. Events on Sunday culminated in a parade up State Street to the Capitol. More than 100 people, many lighting up pipes and joints, marched up State Street to cries of "Hey hey, ho ho, the drug war has got to go!" Saturday's highlight featured Stroup speaking on issues of personal freedom and pot smoking. The founder of America's pro-marijuana lobby in Washington D.C., Stroup wasted no time as he took the stage. "I smoke pot and I like it a lot," he said. Raising issues such as the cost of law enforcement resources devoted to marijuana crimes and imprisonment of otherwise upstanding citizens, Stroup's oration lent credibility and seriousness to the issue of repealing marijuana prohibition in the United States. "We've got to find a way to convert public support to public policy," Stroup said, discussing the mission he began in 1970 when he founded NORML. "Think of the potential political power we have if we simply learn to use it." The festival's relaxed atmosphere attracted many students and adults. Jeff Baren with the Cannabis Society of America described his first year at Harvest Fest as "fantabulous." UW-Madison sophomore Jeff Mann said, "It's a great festival, I donated some money and heard some good music, it's totally awesome." This weekend's events coincide with a new Medical Marijuana Bill recently introduced by State Rep. Mark Pocan (D). The bill is set to be introduced in November, but this weekend's event raised hopes of early support. Wrapping up his speech, Stroup stressed the festival's theme, "Stay high, come out of the closet, speak out, get involved politically and let's finally legalize marijuana in America. There's nothing wrong with smoking pot." Source: Daily Cardinal (WI Edu) Author: Andrew Geisthardt Published: Monday, October 3, 2005 Copyright: 2005 The Daily Cardinal Contact: letters@dailycardinal.com Website: http://www.cardinal.wisc.edu/ Link to article: http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21156.shtml
By Jackie Luskey Source: Daily Cardinal Wisconsin -- The national non-profit organization, Marijuana Policy Project, is asking fraternities and sororities at UW-Madison and other universities to raise money and awareness for its mission to make marijuana legal. Similar to other non-profits, like the American Cancer Society, the MPP has its own tax-deductible code for educational organizations. This makes it possible for groups such as fraternities and sororities to raise money for its causes. MPP mailed out information about its organization to over 2,220 Greek houses for universities in every state, including University of California-Berkeley and Cornell University. These mailings included 20 UW-Madison fraternities and sororities, including Gamma Phi Beta and Sigma Alpha Epsilon. "Basically, we are mailing to everybody that we could locate. We have the most comprehensive list of fraternities and sororities available," said Bruce Mirken, MPP's director of communications. The MPP chose to market to the Greek system because fraternities and sororities are large philanthropic groups easily able to arrange charity events, Mirken said. Money raised from Greek philanthropy would go to fund campaigns like MPP's current fight for medical marijuana legalization in Wisconsin. MPP successfully managed a similar campaign in Montana last November. "If you rape somebody, you don't lose your student loan, but if you're caught with one joint in your dorm room, you do. Tell me in what alternative universe that makes sense? It's absolutely outrageous," Mirken said. The mailings have not yet reached the UW-Madison campus. However, those involved in the Greek system do not anticipate a warm response to MPP's request because of the political connection the MPP holds. "It's not that we should be apathetic about political views, but this is something that you should support as an individual," said Drew Eshweiler, Interfraternity Council president and UW-Madison senior. "To tie it to a fraternity or sorority is improper use of your Greek organization." Having a politically minded philanthropy is difficult to put in place in a fraternity or sorority, where members have diverse political beliefs. "Our Greek communities have national philanthropies and are for the betterment of society. There are so many different value systems within a Greek system. Some chapters may shy away from a political stance like this because a cause like it might not represent the views of all members of the chapter," said UW-Madison fraternity and sorority program advisor Barb Kautz. "Fraternities and sororities are about brotherhood and sisterhood. They're not about political action, I feel. I think it's just stepping over some boundaries," Eschweiler said. Complete Title: Pro-Marijuana Org. Asks Greek System for Financial Support Source: Daily Cardinal (WI Edu) Author: Jackie Luskey Published: Monday, October 3, 2005 Copyright: 2005 The Daily Cardinal Contact: letters@dailycardinal.com Website: http://www.cardinal.wisc.edu/ Link to article: http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21157.shtml
By Carolyn Smith Source: Badger Herald Wisconsin -- A bill condoning the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes is pending introduction in the Wisconsin State Assembly, a state representative said Sunday. If passed, the legislation would allow physicians to recommend in writing that patients who qualify could obtain marijuana legally. While federal law currently overrides state law regarding the use of medical marijuana, the matter continues to be adjudicated in the court system. The bill is aimed to help relieve symptoms of people who suffer from painful and debilitating diseases, like cancer and multiple sclerosis, State Rep. Gregg Underheim, R-Oshkosh, the lead author of the bill, said. Underheim said he began drafting the legislation after he was diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer. Though he said he did not use marijuana while he battled the disease, Underheim talked to other cancer patients who said they benefited from the use of the substance. “It provides an option for people who have a very difficult medical [situation] that could be helped by the use of medicinal marijuana,†Underheim said. The bill lists specific conditions patients must have in order to receive a recommendation; after a doctor approves the use of marijuana, a patient must obtain a card from the Department of Health and Family Services stating the person can legally use marijuana for the treatment of a medical condition. The patient must then purchase the marijuana on his or her own, Underheim said. “The bill is silent on that matter,†Underheim said. A similar bill introduced into the Legislature last year was not approved by an Assembly committee and thus never reached the Assembly floor for debate. Federal law prohibits the use of marijuana for medical purposes, though there are several states which have passed legislation legalizing its use to treat illness. “There is a controversy between states and the federal government about whether states have the right to legalize medical marijuana, and that is ongoing,†state Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, a co-author of the bill, said. Black said the conflict between the federal government and state governments will be resolved by the courts system sometime in the future. Polling in the state indicates Wisconsin residents support the use of medicinal marijuana, Underheim added. In a 2005 survey conducted by the Chamberlain Research Consultants and paid for by the Marijuana Policy Project, approximately three-fourths of 600 randomly polled Wisconsinites said they think the state Legislature should allow people suffering from serious illness to legally use marijuana. “We are heartened by such overwhelming, bipartisan support for legislation to protect medical marijuana patients from arrest,†MPP Legislative Analyst Adam Horowitz said in a release. “Young or old, Republican or Democrat, Wisconsin residents believe seriously ill patients should not have to live in fear. We are hopeful that legislators will listen to their constituents and give Wisconsin patients the protection they deserve.†However, there is some opposition to the legislation in the state government and among some in the medical field. June Dahl, a professor of pharmacology for the University of Wisconsin Medical School said there is little evidence marijuana has any “special benefits†over other drugs used to treat the same symptoms. “The major concern I have is that many of the uses to which [marijuana] is purportedly going to be approved really don't have any basis in science,†Dahl said. In addition, Dahl said there are medicines containing THC - the drug causing the relief of the symptoms in question - that can already be obtained legally through a prescription. Despite this, Underheim said patients who have used both marijuana and other legal drugs that are supposed to have the same effect have told him the alternative drugs are not as effective as marijuana. “Just because this drug has a stigma to it doesn't mean we should ignore the legitimate medical benefits it could have,†Underheim said. Source: Badger Herald (Edu, Madison, WI) Author: Carolyn Smith Published: Monday, October 3, 2005 Copyright: 2005 Badger Herald Contact: editor@badgerherald.com Website: http://www.badgerherald.com/ Link to article: http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21160.shtml
By Jeff Rumage Source: Daily Cardinal Wisconsin -- Individuals suffering from AIDS, multiple sclerosis, cancer, and other painful diseases may soon be able to alleviate their pain with marijuana, pending the approval of a state bill proposed by Rep. Gregg Underheim, R-Oshkosh. The bill, introduced Monday, would allow physicians to prescribe marijuana at their own discretion. Medicinal marijuana is currently legal in 10 states, and a survey reveals that the majority of Wisconsin residents are eager to join them. Despite support from U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, and Gov. Jim Doyle, Assembly Speaker Rep. John Gard, R-Peshtigo, denied discussion of the bill in the state Assembly last year. There are fifteen co-sponsors for the bill in state Assembly. "The task is to let people know that this is something that can be beneficial. The public believes that, and perhaps it's time for the leaders to lead," Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Madison, said. In 1980, a car crash left J.F. Oschwald with limited mobility and a spinal cord injury. He currently uses marijuana to prevent muscle spasms, allowing him to sleep calmly at night. "For me, it's a matter of independence and being able to live at home without caretakers," Oschwald said. The properties of marijuana can alleviate the symptoms of a variety of illnesses. It can be used to create an appetite, relieve pain and reduce the symptoms of glaucoma. Also, victims of these diseases can self-regulate how much they smoke, which is impossible with tablets. Despite the bill's support from such groups as the American Nurses Association and Wisconsin Public Health, some are still skeptical that marijuana may fall into the hands of younger recreational users. However, there has actually been a decrease in younger people using marijuana in states that have legalized its medical use, according to Mikki Norris of Human Rights and the Drug War. Younger people are probably viewing the substance as more functional than glamorous, Norris explained. Other skeptics maintain there are alternative medicines that will relieve the pain. Marinol contains THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, but many patients say it is not as effective, according to Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison. Many doctors are hesitant to undermine prescription drugs, though, explained court-certified marijuana expert Chris Conrad. Another complaint facing the medicinal marijuana movement is the danger of marijuana smoke. According to Conrad, cannabis-only smokers are no more likely to get lung cancer than any other person. Although Conrad supports the legalization of marijuana in general, he is currently focused on medicinal uses. "In the war on drugs, I think it's extremely important that we remove patients from the battleground," said Conrad. Source: Daily Cardinal (WI Edu) Author: Jeff Rumage Published: Tuesday, October 4, 2005 Copyright: 2005 The Daily Cardinal Contact: letters@dailycardinal.com Website: http://www.cardinal.wisc.edu/ Link to article: http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21162.shtml