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| Missoula Woman Launches a Hunger Strike |
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Posted by FoM on April 26, 2002 at 21:21:00 PT By Independent Staff Source: Missoula Independent 
Yes I cannabis! How tragic that as the 21st century’s war against prohibition rages on, the foot soldiers on the front lines are among society’s most debilitated souls. We are, of course, talking about the battle to allow doctors to legally prescribe cannabis to their patients as a legitimate treatment option, especially when all other avenues for relief have failed. Now, before you get yourself all knotted up in a self-righteous huff and pound out irate letters about how legalizing medical cannabis is the foot-in-the-door for full-scale marijuana legalization, ask yourself how many TV commercials you’ve seen lately for prescription pharmaceuticals that tell you to “ask your doctor if [insert drug here] is right for you…” So we’re not talking about your average Missoulian who wants to pull a few bong hits before giggling his way through the latest episode of “The Simpsons.” We’re talking about real patients with serious symptoms, for many of whom there literally are no other treatment options. Such is the case here in Missoula, where one woman has decided to literally put her life on the line to demonstrate how crucial medical marijuana is for her health and well-being—and she’s willing to starve herself to prove it. Robin Prosser is a 45-year-old mother in Missoula who has suffered for years from a condition that doesn’t even have a name. In Chicago, a team of doctors told her that her illness is probably one of 150 different immunosuppressive illnesses, similar to Lupus. Prosser can’t go out in the sun anymore and suffers from other symptoms similar to multiple sclerosis with progressive neurological deterioration. “We just treat the symptoms as we can, but most of the time I know now that there’s nothing they can do,” she says. Her doctors have tried dozens of medications, therapies and treatments, but as Prosser’s body grows increasingly sensitive to chemical interference, they have found no medication that alleviates her symptoms. None, that is, except cannabis. Prosser, like tens of thousands of other patients across the country, has discovered that smoking cannabis relieves her pain, nausea, stops the spasms in her muscles, her bronchi, her heart and intestines, and gives her an appetite. But as of April 20, Prosser has given up all food and will continue her hunger strike until the government recognizes her need to grow her own cannabis. She says she’s never had a run-in with the law and doesn’t want to buy or grow marijuana illegally for fear of going to jail and losing her daughter. For a time, she considered moving to another country that has more progressive cannabis laws, but decided against it. (Last year Canada legalized the use of cannabis as medicine and is now funding research on its healthful effects. Likewise, Great Britain is also considering legalizing medical marijuana use.) “This is 2002. I am not a criminal,” she says. “I won’t be forced to leave my homeland to find more hospitable countries where I would be allowed to have what I need.” Prosser’s progress is being monitored by several physicians, including Dr. Ethan Russo, one of the nation’s foremost experts on the therapeutic uses of cannabis. Prosser says she’s feeling pretty energized and hasn’t felt lightheaded or dizzy since starting her hunger strike. As of press time, she had lost 11 lbs. How long will her hunger strike last? “For as long as it takes,” she says. Complete Title: A Missoula Woman Launches a Hunger Strike for Medicinal Cannabis Source: Missoula Independent (MT) Related Articles & Web Site: Cannabis Now Cannabinoids in Pain Management Long-Term Pot-Use Study: No Ill Health Effects Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help |
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| Comment #20 posted by FoM on April 29, 2002 at 20:41:35 PT |
| I know you know I understand. Thanks for all you are doing. [ Post Comment ] |
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Comment #19 posted by el_toonces on April 29, 2002 at 20:06:59 PT:
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| ...and it makes sense, Ethan. It is actually just a great comfort to know you are monitoring things and that is all the assurance I think I was alluding to. Because I am so new to formally being involved in these issues, I have only slowly become aware of just how much you have done in so many different specific and important areas. And, as always, my thanks for all of it. El [ Post Comment ] |
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Comment #18 posted by Ethan Russo MD on April 29, 2002 at 19:39:55 PT:
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| Dear Friends,
I have tried to stay out of this and have communicated with many of you directly. Please understand that I am not being passive about this, but certain constraints apply pertaining to patient confidentiality. I can say this. I am not directly taking care of Robin, although her situation is being monitored. She is extremely serious about this. She is weak but managing. I merely wish that all this were not necessary. It is absolutely shameful that we live in a country that values the purity of its misguided ideology above the health of its citizens. I also cannot become involved in what may be a media circus. There are life and death issues involved. If I have a value to this movement it more likely pertains to attempting to show the science behind clinical cannabis. I hope that this makes sense as it is likely about as much as I can offer at present. [ Post Comment ] |
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Comment #17 posted by el_toonces on April 29, 2002 at 18:25:09 PT:
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| ...I have a feeling we have all prayed for this woman in our own way. I wonder if she would allow Dr. Russo give us periodic updates? El [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #16 posted by Jose Melendez on April 29, 2002 at 15:15:59 PT |
| Ms. Prosser will only make it easier for the Powers-That-Be to kill her.
...sigh, maybe if she agreed to consume only cannabis, air and water? At least that way she won't harm herself, and everyone will see she is healthier... [ Post Comment ] |
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Comment #15 posted by kaptinemo on April 29, 2002 at 12:16:25 PT:
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| We are not dealing with people posssessing consciences. Such protests as Ms. Prosser are nothing to people who kill millions every day through pollution, through support of political factions which do their bidding, through gutting worker safety laws, etc. They couldn't care less; they have a 'big picture' to oversee. We are dealing with those whose nearly century-long plans are about to be realized: Korporatussmuss Uber Alles. The rule of the world by mega-corporations...through their governmental cat's-paws. Their agenda concerns sick people only to the extent their medical conditions can be profited from...not alleviated. I may applaud her courage, but Ms. Prosser will only make it easier for the Powers-That-Be to kill her. And make no mistake, a dead-and-forgotten activist is much more preferable - to them - than an alive, kicking and punching one. Playing into the hands of the mindset that has killed millions directly and indirectly with such callousness (Do you see the judge who sentenced Peter McWilliams doing time in jail for his judicially-sanctioned murder of McWilliams? Nope. Nor will you ever...unless this country has another revolution) is not going to forward the cause one bit. [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #14 posted by Rainbow on April 28, 2002 at 10:34:44 PT |
| I had a special intention said for Robin today in church. Although no one really understood at least we prayed for her in her struggle.
Tom [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #13 posted by FoM on April 27, 2002 at 21:14:51 PT |
| I've waited to make a comment about Robin Prosser. This is a very delicate issue to me. I personally think her health shouldn't be jeopardized by depriving her body of necessary nutrition. I do respect her right to fast though. She is very sick and I have faith that Dr. Russo will tell her if the lack of food is jeopardizing her immediate health. It's important to be active but what good is a dead or sick activist? Not good just a sad situation. We've seen it time and again. I don't want anyone to get hurt anymore. [ Post Comment ] |
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Comment #12 posted by Dan B on April 27, 2002 at 20:45:08 PT:
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| Robin Prosser needs to be informed that she will accomplish nothing with this hunger strike, save possibly her own demise. She needs to understand that the federal government does not care about her hunger strike because--and this is important--they want her dead anyway. Does she really think that the feds will do anything to prevent her death when it is they who have been hunting down medical marijuana patients and putting them in prison without their medication so they will die faster? Does she not understand that she is dealing with a sick system that hopes she will die because that will mean one less voice of dissent to have to deal with? I'm glad Dr. Russo is monitoring her, but I sure wish someone would talk some sense into her as well (not to say he hasn't tried; I don't know because I am not there). We don't need any more martyrs. Robin Prosser can do a hell of a lot more for medical marijuana as a living testament to its capabilities than she can if she dies from this senseless hunger strike. I'm sorry, but I will not support Ms. Prosser's hunger strike. Why? Because it will accomplish nothing. It is absolutely stupid to believe that one woman in Montana dying from hunger because she chose to in protest that she could not get her medical marijuana would even be a blip on the radar to the feds or the state government. It's barely a blip in the media (Missoula Independent is a tiny weekly newspaper). If she wants to die, let her choose it on the grounds that she has a right to decide when, but don't link a legitimate movement to help people in need of their medicine with this morbid fantasy of a hunger strike to end medical cannabis prohibition. Hate me if you want--I really don't care. I cannot and will not support this. Dan B [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #11 posted by JSM on April 27, 2002 at 20:25:05 PT |
| It has been my feeling for a very long time that as a group cannabis users have not been willing to make the kind of sarifices necessary to force change. After all, cannabis is a substance that simply brings a small amount of pleasure in a rather difficult world and hardly anything worth making a serious stand for. Prohibitionists understand this and use it to their full advantage. Robin's sacrifice may well be a turning point for both medical and recreational use. For the first time, someone is saying that cannabis use, in this case for medical purposes, is worth taking a very serious and perhaps even life threatening risk. Robin, if you you read this, God bless you and I pray that your suffering will bring about positive change. I only wish that I had your courage. [ Post Comment ] |
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Comment #10 posted by lookinside on April 27, 2002 at 12:55:53 PT:
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(720 ILCS 550/15)
Sec. 15. The Department shall encourage research on cannabis. In
connection with the research, and in furtherance of the purposes of this
Act, it may:
(1) establish methods to assess accurately the effect of cannabis;
(2) make studies and undertake programs of research to:
(i) develop new or improved approaches, techniques, systems,
equipment and devices to strengthen the enforcement of this Act;
(ii) determine patterns of use of cannabis and its social effects;
and
(iii) improve methods for preventing, predicting, understanding,
and dealing with the use of cannabis;
(3) enter into contracts with public agencies, educational
institutions, and private organizations or individuals for the purpose
of conducting research, demonstrations, or special projects which relate
to the use of cannabis.
(Source: P.A. 83-969.) (720 ILCS 550/15.1) Sec. 15.1. (a) If any cannabis derivative is designated or rescheduled as a controlled substance under federal law and notice thereof is given to the Department, the Department shall similarly control the substance under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act after the expiration of 30 days from publication in the Federal Register of a final order designating a substance as a controlled substance or rescheduling a substance unless within that 30 day period the Department objects, or a party adversely affected files with the Department substantial written objections to inclusion or rescheduling. In that case, the Department shall publish the reasons for objection or the substantial written objections and afford all interested parties an opportunity to be heard. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Department shall publish its decision, by means of a rule, which shall be final unless altered by statute. Upon publication of objections by the Department, similar control under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act whether by inclusion or rescheduling is suspended until the Department publishes its ruling. (b) If any cannabis derivative is deleted as a controlled substance under Federal law and notice thereof is given to the Department, the Department shall similarly control the substance under this Act after the expiration of 30 days from publication in the Federal Register of a final order deleting a substance as a controlled substance or rescheduling a substance unless within that 30 day period the Department objects, or a party adversely affected files with the Department substantial written objections to inclusion or rescheduling. In that case, the Department shall publish the reasons for objection or the substantial written objections and afford all interested parties an opportunity to be heard. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Department shall publish its decision, by means of a rule, which shall be final unless altered by statute. Upon publication of objections by the Department, similar control under this Act whether by inclusion or rescheduling is suspended until the Department publishes its ruling. (c) Cannabis derivatives are deemed to be regulated under this Act until such time as those derivatives are scheduled as provided for under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Following such scheduling, those derivatives shall be excepted from this Act and shall be regulated pursuant to the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. At such time that any derivative is deleted from schedules provided for under the Illinois Controlled Substance Act, that derivative shall be regulated pursuant to this Act. (Source: P.A. 84-1313; 84-1362.) [ Post Comment ] |
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Comment #9 posted by lookinside on April 27, 2002 at 12:52:23 PT:
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(720 ILCS 550/11)
Sec. 11. (a) The Department, with the written approval of the
Department of State Police, may authorize the possession, production,
manufacture and delivery of substances containing cannabis by persons
engaged in research and when such authorization is requested by a
physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches, such
authorization shall issue without unnecessary delay where the Department
finds that such physician licensed to practice medicine in all its
branches has certified that such possession, production, manufacture or
delivery of such substance is necessary for the treatment of glaucoma,
the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy in cancer patients
or such other procedure certified to be medically necessary; such
authorization shall be, upon such terms and conditions as may be
consistent with the public health and safety. To the extent of the
applicable authorization, persons are exempt from prosecution in this
State for possession, production, manufacture or delivery of cannabis.
(b) Persons registered under Federal law to conduct research with
cannabis may conduct research with cannabis including, but not limited
to treatment by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its
branches for glaucoma, the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation
therapy in cancer patients or such other procedure which is medically
necessary within this State upon furnishing evidence of that Federal
registration and notification of the scope and purpose of such research
to the Department and to the Department of State Police of that Federal
registration.
(c) Persons authorized to engage in research may be authorized by
the Department to protect the privacy of individuals who are the
subjects of such research by withholding from all persons not connected
with the conduct of the research the names and other identifying
characteristics of such individuals. Persons who are given this
authorization shall not be compelled in any civil, criminal,
administrative, legislative or other proceeding to identify the
individuals who are the subjects of research for which the authorization
was granted, except to the extent necessary to permit the Department to
determine whether the research is being conducted in accordance with the
authorization.
(Source: P.A. 84-25.)
[ Post Comment ] |
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Comment #8 posted by el_toonces on April 27, 2002 at 11:02:59 PT:
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| ...... is something I can identify with, being grossly overweight at 155 lbs, 5' 11" myself:). This is stuff dangerous, qqqq, and you're right -- we need more anoxeric, near fetal looking model style bodies around. Long live the heroin chic look! Le Cenoot? [ Post Comment ] |
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Comment #7 posted by paul peterson on April 27, 2002 at 08:12:02 PT:
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| Everybody remember when they tried to say marijuana compromised the immune system? Well, here is the proof perfect-Yes, in some unique ways and instances it may trigger a reaction which "adjusts" the immune system, and that appears to be just the ticket for Robin, and might have saved her life, but for her damned strong courage and conviction to stop this heinous and egregious war on medical marijuana (WMM). There-I just coined a new term. Now, how do we help Robin before it's too late? She stated that these "Doctors" in Chicago, told her what she had. Well, I am in Chicago, and I have this Illinois statute, the best darned medical marijuana law in the nation, and the local state people are doing everything they can to keep this secrete and secure. I lost my license to practice law, yet some state legislators are jcoming forward to state clearly that we ALREADY HAVE A MEDICAL MARIJUANA LAW IN ILLINOIS! The local media keeps freezing me out, continually. Even Clarence Page, a Chicago based journalist, and works for the Chicago Tribune of all papers, when he does a fine editorial pieceabout the drug war (like this last week) can't even get that in his own paper! He has to run it in the Springfield Gazzette (or whatever they call it down there). Does the Tribune run it? NO. Diane Donovan, senior editor for the Tribune, ran a piece in Tribune a few months ago- Where is she now? FIRED! (FOR RUNNING THE MARIJUANA PEICE, METHINKS!). OK-SOMEBODY GET THE NAMES AND PHONE NUMBERS OF THESE CHICAGO DOCTORS FOR ME, PLEASE? I'll get on their asses and get them to agree to get some papers to me about the necessity of getting ROBIN AUTHORIZED TO GET MARIJUANA FOR "RESEARCH" AND "TREATMENT" under the Illinois law (720 ILCS 550 sections 11 & 15, I'll get this thing going here in the great state of the LAND OF LINCOLN, we'll give ASA & JOHN a new state to think about, and pronto, we'll get Robin a place to stay here in this FORTRESS FREEDOM (that's what we'll call ILLINOIS, what with our world class medical marijuana law, better than California by a long shot) and by the way, Illinois has three companies already doing world class marijuana research right now on pot: University of Chicago, Field Museum, IITREE (Illinois Institute of Research something), and we'll get one of these places to like, "adopt" Robin somehow- We've got some fine people that will have to help me to help you'se help Robin to stay alive, methinks! So somebody take this gauntlet, and get ahold of somebody, to get ahold of somebody, to get ahold of me, or these doctors, to get ahold of me, to get this ball rolling before the DEA TAKES MY WEBSITE OF THE AIR AGAIN (I think they did it again yesterday-I'm back on line today, though. Anybody can try to call me at 312-558-9999 (as long as my phone is still connected-I lost my license and am totally broke right now so I haven't paid the phone bill for awhile). Do the web site thing at As soon as somebody helps to get these contacts made or done or info to me to take the ball, I'll get cracking on this one. The sooner we connect, and get Illinois "on line" with this medical marijuana law I got here, the sooner we get to get press on this one, and then the California people get a breather from that ASA crap, then they see that we, the people, are gonna support our own, our wounded soldiers, and they will have to see the error of their PROSCRIPTIVE WAR ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA. I'm guessing that I'll get the POLICE DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO to move right in and be the next San Francisco & Berkeley to "just say no to the DEA". So who can help me in this one, eh? I'm sorta running out of ammo, need some help, some contact info, please, but I've still got this BRIDGE TO THE 21ST CENTURY STAKED OUT, and I am reporting for duty. PAUL PETERSON, AT YOUR SERVICE. [ Post Comment ] |
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Comment #6 posted by markjc on April 27, 2002 at 07:46:46 PT:
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| This is a waisted effort. They aren't going to legalize marijuana just because one person kills herself on a hunger strike. someone needs to get this woman eating again because they aren't going to care that she is hunger striking. this isn't going to get any publicity, she is just going to make herself extremely sick or die and nothing will be accomplished. If we could somehow organize a massive hunger strike (10,000 or more people)among healthy people in this country, that might strike a dent. The government would just as soon let her die than legalize medicinal marijuana. look at all the people that are in jail and then tell me that the government has its citizens best interest in mind. [ Post Comment ] |
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Comment #5 posted by Jose Melendez on April 27, 2002 at 07:05:07 PT:
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| "I learned from prison, you don't go too far high because then you go down," explains (John McCaine) the Arizona Republican and 2000 presidential aspirant: "While I was in prison, in 1968, LBJ stopped bombing in North Vietnam, and a peace conference was convened in Paris. All of us — all of us — were very high. The ensuing months and years taught us otherwise. "Never get too happy or too depressed," he says. "I try to maintain a tight rein on my emotions when in difficulty ever since." [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #4 posted by The GCW on April 27, 2002 at 06:04:05 PT |
| If I was willing to die for the cause of cannabis.... [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #3 posted by qqqq on April 26, 2002 at 22:21:06 PT |
| ..First,,is the unintentional disrespectful nature of my cheap jokes.. My sincere apologies for anyone who is offended...There is nothing "funny",about Marijuana prohibition.. ......Secondly.. ya gotta admit that "hunger strikes",are even more admirable when it comes to Marijuana users!. .I think Marijuana is extremely dangerous!...Yes..the worst danger of Marijuana is the way it could drive an already obese person, into being smothered in food...False Epicurian Culinary Excess Syndrome......The worst danger I have ever faced from over 30 years of Marijuana use,,is gorging on food...I have stuffed my face till I almost had to barf!...I have regretted using Marijuana after I realized that I had stuffed my stomach so full,that it was like topping off a gas tank,,when the nozzle is clicking,,and bits of gas are gushing out the side,,,and then,,I would try and have desert! [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #2 posted by Sam Adams on April 26, 2002 at 21:52:03 PT |
| Wow, how scary. A lot of doctors think MS is way over-diagnosed, many of the so-called MS patients may have some more complex illness like Ms. Prosser. I say don't do it. No martyrdom for this cause - the prohibitionists have done enough damage as it is. Take care of yourself and your family (daughter) and let others fight this one for you - how about Northern California? It's not far from MT, and med MJ users are pretty safe there. I'm sending some positive vibes and support out to Montana for Ms. Prosser no matter what she decides to do..... [ Post Comment ] |
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Comment #1 posted by el_toonces on April 26, 2002 at 21:32:26 PT:
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| ....being written to the editor in support of this woman by a local reader who might have medical experise and whose very letter could aid this woman? I hope so. El [ Post Comment ] |
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