WI State Capitol at night.
MADISON: Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, who supports the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act, will deliver his eighth and final State of the State (SOTS) address before a joint meeting of the State Legislature on Tuesday night at 7pm.
Governor Doyle has been on record throughout his term as willing to sign medical cannabis legislation if it reached his desk. Since the introduction of the JRMMA, he has gone further in his support, calling it "senseless" to block access to patients.. State advocates have been reaching out to the Governor's office recently and requesting he mention the JRMMA in the address.
The JRMMA, sponsored by Rep. Mark Pocan, (D-Madison), and Sen. Jon Erpenbach, (D-Waunakee), remains in committee. Supporters crowded the State Capitol on Wed. Jan. 24 for a Memorial for Mary Powers and JRMMA Lobby Day. In the Legislature as a whole, while some Republican lawmakers have privately expressed sympathy for the plight of patients and Sen. Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend), said he might vote for it, no Republican member has yet stepped up to publicly state they would vote for the bill. A recent ABC News poll found that nationwide, 81% of Americans support legalizing medicinal cannabis, including 75% of Republicans.
On Sunday, medical cannabis patients and supporters filled Madison's High Noon Saloon for a benefit, enjoying four hours of music and speakers including Jacki Rickert, Gary Storck and Teresa Shepherd. Jacki's refrain, "This Bill, This Time" was echoed repeatedly. Camera crews recorded the event for upcoming tv ads and online posting.
Meanwhile, Jacki and supporters hope that Gov. Doyle will urge passage of the JRMMA on Tuesday night. "What a better legacy to leave behind, a legacy of hope for patients," she told us Monday. As for the Legislature, Jacki said this, "We're willing to negotiate, people don't have time, another year, another six months. It's got to be, this bill, this time."
Comments
I hope that our WI government will help all of us who suffer and need Cannabis! I cannot take narcotics due to allergies and the only thing that helps to somewhat alleviate pain is marijuana. I have to break the law in order to get my medicine. I wonder if any of those opposed to this legislation would do the same for themselves or a loved one? I pray that this will pass...FOR ALL OF US!!
I am 65 years old and cannabis helps in a myriad of ways. I pray this bill passes before my children, great- and grandchildren have to deal with inherited family health problems. Such an easy solution to raise the quality of life for so many people.
It's about time that we Decriminalized medical Marijuana!Think of all the people that this will affect.People are suffering and buy it from the street. Why not help them obtain it legally? It will be a great benefit for Wisconsin.
These bills would brighten the lives of so many in Wisconsin and the will of the people is overwhealming but we need to press in now more then ever and make our voice heard !! Victory lays ahead ...
I hope we get medical marijuana in Wisconsin. It's the only thing that helps me with my chronic pain.
Cannabis helps me more than any of the drugs I have taken over the past 10 years. Its anti-inflammatory, anti-spasm, anti-depressant and pain killing properties are perfect for me. Edible cannabis lasts a longer duration than the 5 medications I take daily also.
Life with chronic pain is NO way to live. Many cannot understand this because they have not experienced pain of this magnitude. When the pain is bad and doesn't go away with conventional treatment you will do ANYTHING to get relief, Illegal or not. Medical Marijuana IS Health care. Cannabis Is Medicine. Support and PASS THE JRMMA!
I am 28 years old and was in a car accident 4 years ago, my back is always in pain! The doctors all they do is give me prescription pain pills that make me fill sick,I have took everything including physical therapy,chiropractic,etc.Pot makes me feel better and relaxes my back muscles,so many uses for me!Pass this bill
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