Long Past Time for Medical Marijuana

This one is for Lisa.

She is a young mother of two boys 9 and 4. Her own mother lost a long, valiant fight against cancer two years ago. Just months ago she underwent a double mastectomy for breast cancer. After three opinions by oncology experts, she decided on the most radical treatment - chemo-therapy - for one reason. She wanted to see her boys grow to adulthood. She accepted the risks, and they are sobering, because the most important thing in her life is those two boys. She has lost her beautiful blond hair. She works her 9 to 5 job through the side effects of her treatment. And, because she is law-abiding,  because she represents in her stubborn, courageous frame the very best that is American, she will not seek ease from marijuana, which is illegal in any form in the state in which she lives.

The Obama Justice Department has been harsh in its enforcement of the federal drug laws against marijuana use. If this beautiful human being lived in California or a handful of other states, she might have access to the drug. In this state? It simply is not an option. So she perseveres. And perhaps Pfizer, Merck, Bayer, or some other big pharma company can provide some weak substitute for her discomfort. But why should she be deprived of this simple, readily available drug that is PROVEN to be a major aid to those undergoing chemotherapy? What conceivable benefit is there to denying her and those like her the ease granted by this simple remedy?

The time is long past when marijuana should be legalized in this country.

Note: I have managed to achieve 6+ decades without using marijuana. I say this only to point out I do not have a dog in this fight.