State panel holds medical marijuana hearing
Far from the stereotype of the pot-smoking hippie, among today’s marijuana advocates are veterans, parents and caregivers.
At a public hearing in Fort Lauderdale, officals from the state’s Office of Compassionate Use listened as more than 200 citizens weighed in on upcoming regulations governing medical marijuana.
In an auditorium that seats 110 at the Bro ward County Health Department, an overflow crowd clogged the aisles. Dozens were moved to auxiliary seating in the atrium.
Passed by 71 percent in November, Amendment 2 allows patients with 10 debilitating conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, AIDS and “other” maladies be given access to medical cannabis under a doctor’s order. State legistators have until July 1 to set regulations in place.
Marlena Rico, an 86-year-old disabled veteran, was gravely wounded when she served as a nurse in a MASH unit during the Korean War. She endured 15 surgeries in an18-month period.
The Purple Heart recipient asked officials to follow the intent of the new law as it is written without “clauses and discrepancies.”
“Doctors are the ones who can determine a patient’s need,” Rico said. ”This is a medical issue that should not be politically mediated.”
Seth Hyman became an activist when he saw it helped alleviate his 11-year-old daughter’s uncontrollable seizures. He warned the panel of a potential conflict of interest if providers are limited to seven pharmaceutical companies.
Additionally, the number of strains needed for diverse treatments will be deficient, Hyman said.
Stephen Smith told of his young son’s battle with brain cancer. The family moved to Colorado to treat him with medical marijuana. After testing dozens of strains, Smith found one that eased his son’s pain and gave him the energy to play while in the hospital.
“[The herb] didn’t save his life but it helped him tremendously. Not everyone’s the same and not everyone should be treated the same,” Smith said.
Physician Honey Milestone said she is a “big advocate” after studying the human en doc anna bino id system. She asked for the freedom to use her medical knowledge.
“I decide if I give a patient an opiate. I should be able to decide if I can give patient marijuana,” Milestone said.
Patient navigator Heidi Handford summed up the thoughts of many in attendance: “We need compassion for patients. That’s what Amendment 2 is all about. Nowit’s not compassionate.”