This article was originally published on the Marijuana Patients Organization site on September 24, 2012.
The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, the agency led by Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette that also administers the Michigan Medical Marihuana Program for the State, has encouraged Governor Snyder to designate the month of September, Pain Awareness Month.
The Attorney General’s office has declared that 4 million Michiganders suffer from chronic pain, nearly half the State’s 9,876,187 residents, a serious concern that has been growing. Both the Governor and Attorney General are advocating the use of non-opioid medication to treat chronic pain, including medical marijuana as an alternative treatment method. It is with no doubt that chronic pain is the single leading reason for the use of medical marijuana as reported by the department and reported in the Detroit News earlier this year.
This shift in sentiment about marijuana is due in large part to common sense, and the fact that our leaders are concerned for the health of Michigan citizens, specifically, the effects that many prescription pills can have on an aging population and shrinking State budget. As the number of medical marijuana users in the State increases, it will be in part to the efforts of our brave and compassionate leadership in the State Government.
Governor Snyder’s Press Release http://www.michigan.gov/snyder/0,4668,7-277-57577_59874-285197–,00.html
[blockquote type=”left”]As of 2012 September is: Pain Management Awareness Month
WHEREAS, millions of Michiganders of all ages feel the impacts of chronic pain; it is estimated that undertreated and untreated pain costs Michigan citizens as much as $16 billion annually in health care expenses, lost productivity and lost wages; and,
WHEREAS, many types of treatment, both non-pharmacological and pharmacological, are available to manage or greatly ease most pain; when pain is properly treated, many people can resume their normal, active lives; and,
WHEREAS, Michigan is a nationally recognized leader in the development of pain management policies and statewide strategies to educate health care professionals and the public in an effort to improve pain and symptom management in our state; and,
WHEREAS, during this month, we continue to raise awareness of chronic pain issues in Michigan; we encourage citizens throughout the Great Lakes State to learn more about the issues and to respect the conditions of those living with chronic pain;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Snyder, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 2012 as Pain Management Awareness Month in Michigan. [/blockquote]
http://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154–280177–,00.html
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