Senator Levin, War Veterans Need Your Help

This article was originally published on the Marijuana Patients Organization site on May 17, 2013.

This letter is a request for your help. Our State leaders have denied rights to my friends, fellow war veterans.

Our Michigan Medical Marihuana Act has helped me a great deal. After a training exercise that nearly destroyed my back I was discharged from the Army and provided lifetime benefits. My injury qualifies me for a medical marijuana card. My illness protects me from arrest, while friends of mine that suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are not eligible for a card.

As a rule to our Michigan marijuana law, a panel of doctors is organized in order to add new qualifying conditions for the use of marijuana. As you may be aware our industry has always faced an uphill battle. Despite the challenges we persevered for years lobbying PTSD to be added to the qualifying conditions list. Our persistence paid off, this year it was ratified.

Well that is until, LARA, the administrative body run by our State’s Attorney General decided that the panel was administratively set up improper, just days before my friends with PTSD were to become legal.

I do not want to point fingers, I just want this fixed. You pledged to serve your term by focusing on representing the great citizens of Michigan instead of running for re-election. Do me this one favor, clear the smoke from the games being played in Lansing and protect my friends from arrest. Let rule of law prevail and in the process help Veterans that put their life on the line for us.

I can still write a letter like this, and work a 9-5 job, those I know with PTSD are unable to hold jobs or handle relationships but find amazing benefits and relief from this remarkable plant.

We were taught in the Army, and from my parents, to defend those that cannot defend themselves. Thank you for your consideration and possible assistance.

Sincerely,

Daniel R.