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  A Call For Relief
Posted by CN Staff on March 24, 2007 at 06:47:09 PT
By Colin Poitras, Courant Staff Writer 
Source: Hartford Courant 

medical Hartford, Conn. -- Talk show host Montel Williams tried to fight back tears Friday as he described to Connecticut lawmakers how he smokes or eats marijuana every day to hold off the spasms and pain caused by multiple sclerosis. It is the only thing that works, Williams said.

"I have been on everything," Williams, 50, told an audience at the Legislative Office Building. "I've been on morphine to the point where it almost shut down my kidneys. I've been on OxyContin. I've taken six to 12 of those in a day and found myself doing nothing but drooling in a corner crying because I still hurt."

"You only see me one hour a day," Williams said, referring to his daytime, Emmy-award-winning television show. "You didn't see me this morning when I stuck two needles in my body. You won't see me this evening when I stick another one in my body ... none of that in any way, shape or form does anything to mitigate the pain."

Williams was the keynote speaker in a morning press conference organized by supporters of a bill that would allow residents with serious medical conditions to cultivate and use marijuana for palliative purposes when recommended by a practicing physician.

House Bill 6715, known as the Compassionate Use Act, passed the judiciary committee this week in a 32-8 vote. It is expected to be reviewed by several other committees on its way to the House for a vote.

If approved, the law would allow adults with a debilitating condition diagnosed by a physician to grow no more than four marijuana plants, each with a maximum height of 4 feet. The plants must be grown in a secure, indoor facility. Patients need written certification from their physician and must register with the state Department of Public Health. The law defines debilitating medical conditions as cancer, glaucoma, AIDS, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries, among others.

Similar measures have repeatedly failed in recent years because of strong opposition from some legislators who say legalizing marijuana - even for medical purposes - sends a wrong message to kids.

"This bill would take our state down a dangerous path," state Rep. Toni Boucher, R-Norwalk, one of the more vocal opponents of the measure, said while testifying before the judiciary committee's vote. "Marijuana is a harmful drug that doesn't save or improve lives. It can undermine the seriously ill's best prospect of recovery and can ruin their life."

Smoking marijuana raises patients' risks of cancer, causes respiratory problems and can increase a person's risk of a heart attack by raising their heart rate, Boucher said. She said there is other medication available currently - including Marinol, which contains derivatives of marijuana - that deliver marijuana's pain-relieving effects without causing the other health problems from smoking it.

But Williams said people react to medication differently. Marinol is not as effective for him as smoking or eating the cannabis, he said.

"For me, marijuana stops my spasticity and reduces my pain from a six to about a four," Williams said. "Some people say they are concerned about the euphoria effect. ... I don't get the rush. I don't get high. It just blocks my pain."

For Williams, smoking marijuana has become a way of life.

"Before I walked in here, I smoked pot," Williams said. "The pain in my feet is starting to rise again, and I have to stay ahead of it. I have to pray local law enforcement gives me a right of passage back to [New York] because when I walk out of here, I will smoke pot."

Williams was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a chronic degenerative disease of the central nervous system, in 1999.

Mark Braustein of Waterford said he started using marijuana after being paralyzed in a diving accident in 1990. Like Williams, he said smoking marijuana regularly helps him cope with the involuntary spasms and intractable pains that sometimes feel "like ice picks with electrodes attached."

A frequent visitor to the Capitol to lobby for legalizing marijuana, Braustein was critical of legislators' inability to pass the law.

"It seems to me that I'm not the only one around here suffering from paralysis," said Braustein, a librarian at Connecticut College in New London.

Eleven states have passed medical marijuana bills into law, including Vermont and Rhode Island. New Mexico's legislature passed medical marijuana legislation last week. The act now sits on Gov. Bill Richardson's desk waiting to be signed into law. New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Alabama are considering similar acts.

Connecticut proponents are optimistic about the bill's passage this year.

"I feel that legislators are at a place where they want to act compassionately about this law," said state Rep. Penny Bacchiochi, R-Somers, one of the bill's sponsors.

Bacchiochi said the issue is not about legalizing drugs. It's about keeping those who seek compassionate care for treating crippling diseases out of jail.

Note: Talk Show Host Montel Williams Advocates For Medical Marijuana Bill At Conference.

Source: Hartford Courant (CT)
Author: Colin Poitras, Courant Staff Writer
Published: March 24, 2007
Copyright: 2007 The Hartford Courant
Contact: letters@courant.com
Website: http://www.ctnow.com/

Related Articles:

Medical Marijuana Bill Gains Support
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22802.shtml

Rell Warms To Medical Marijuana
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22801.shtml

Montel Williams Makes Emotional Plea for MMJ
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22799.shtml


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Comment #25 posted by whig on March 26, 2007 at 00:23:49 PT
museman
Those who come after us will do greater things than we do, and those who come after them still greater, in an unending pattern. For as Newton said, he accomplished so much by standing on the shoulders of giants.

God is immanent already. (Not the same thing as imminent, but easy to confuse.)

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #24 posted by FoM on March 25, 2007 at 21:47:02 PT
museman
We put the evening aside and watched the three hours of Planet Earth. When I think of the earth I think of it as such a wonderful gift we have been given and how we should take care of that gift. They showed a blue bird of paradise and it made both of us bust up laughing when he did his mating dance. What a wonderful world we have.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #23 posted by museman on March 25, 2007 at 13:28:07 PT
whig
"It is the experience of the scriptures that God acts through human agents, is it not?"

It is my experience that the scriptures are records of ordinary men revealing the extraordinary subjective, though visionary, experiences of man interfacing with God. Those experiences and relationships are not, nor have they ever been contained, constrained, or limited to whatever ancient words that have survived millennia of fear and ignorance in any scroll or book.

The Living Word never died. Each generation is gifted with the opportunity to merge with and grow in the truth. Prophets existed outside the decided borders of the church, and it's religion. They exist today. Wisdom is not defined by it's age, but by it's application to the now.

It has been my gained understanding that 'scriptures' have the most actual value, when they confirm ones own experience, rather than 'teach' or 'indoctrinate.'

How can one esteem the ancient wisdom over the simple wisdom of a living childs love?

"Expecting the church to change its behavior is like expecting the messiah to come. But he has, hasn't he?"

Touche to the metaphor.

However in my understanding, there is much more to it. In part the messiah has come, yet there still remains another part which the religion and church impose themselves in the way of; the 'Collective Messiah' or "Those who will do greater things than these."

The evidence that is rampaging through the earth tells me that this next part is imminent, but not yet present.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #22 posted by FoM on March 25, 2007 at 13:02:35 PT
afterburner
Yes I agree.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #21 posted by afterburner on March 25, 2007 at 12:23:36 PT
Healing and Blessings
"Let time slip back into order Let all wounds heal And blessings grow And each thing be in its proper place." --Janovus XXVII, the lame shepherd boy on becoming a Guardian (his humble sacrifice made him worthy), "The Guardians," Buck Rogers in the 25th Century

It's only fiction, but it speaks to a higher reality beyond the mundane and profane daily life we all endure today.

Remember the lesson of Viet Nam: in the last days the Administration still dreamed of victory, but the will of the public and the returning soldiers led to withdrawal. Then, the country forgot, ignoring the needs of the soldiers and wasting the opportunity to learn from the mistakes and to plan a more peaceful future.

Here we are again. This time let us not forget. Let us not be vindictive or distracted. Let us learn the lessons of history. We here at cannabisnews have a vested interest in continuing to strive for a more peaceful future. Because the War on our blessed healing Plant will continue to need our criticism even after the Invasion of Iraq is a distant memory.

"Let Freedom Ring!"

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #20 posted by whig on March 25, 2007 at 12:20:16 PT
museman
It is the experience of the scriptures that God acts through human agents, is it not?

Expecting the church to change its behavior is like expecting the messiah to come. But he has, hasn't he?

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #19 posted by museman on March 25, 2007 at 11:46:07 PT
FoM
Yes Creation is wondrous indeed. The works of God should never be held in lower esteem than the works of men.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #18 posted by FoM on March 25, 2007 at 11:42:08 PT
museman
I liked what you said about humble. I love programs about nature. I connect with the earth and its majesty. Tonight a new series is on the Discovery Channel. It's called Planet Earth. We will watch it and the beauty of it all shows me how truly insignificant I am.

http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/planet-earth/planet-earth.html

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #17 posted by museman on March 25, 2007 at 11:21:45 PT
FoM
The clues and true source of 'resolution' resides within the human heart, not litigation.

Dissention has it's place in human society, with or without false authority. Those who seek truth will find it, and in finding it achieve agreement. We grow together, or perish together. Peace is always preferable to war, by honest and humble people.

I am also relieved, and satisfied at this turn.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #16 posted by FoM on March 25, 2007 at 10:59:18 PT
museman and whig
It does my heart good to see the both of you sharing ideas again. Thanks and bless your hearts.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #15 posted by museman on March 25, 2007 at 10:54:25 PT
whig
After how many thousands of years of deliberately imposed darkness and ignorance?

If the 'church' were in any way real -if it had ever been-, there would be a reasonable expectation of it's actual service to humanity, instead of it's service to power and false authority.

Expecting the church to change it's spots, is like thinking that democracy exists somewhere in the world.

One can always hope I suppose, but personally I find 'hope' to be over-rated compared to 'actuality.'

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #14 posted by whig on March 25, 2007 at 10:26:25 PT
churches
Shouldn't they be waking up and realizing what this is?

Shouldn't they be doing more than advocating for the change of laws preventing people from having medical marijuana?

Shouldn't they be providing medicine to those in need?

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #13 posted by museman on March 25, 2007 at 10:11:49 PT
the prohibition mind set
"The world is flat."

"Babies are found in the cabbage patch under the leaves."

"The earth is the center of the universe."

"Masturbation gives you pimples."

"Divine Right of Kings (and politicians)."

"My 'class' is better than your class."

"Don't do as I do, do as I say."

"The woman's place is in the home."

"The church is 'Gods' house."

"The American flag is a sacred object."

"Global warming is a hoax."

"Nature is inherently evil."

"Man is inherently evil."

"What is the truth?"

"Love is a chemical reaction."

"If you can't see it, taste it, touch it, smell it, or hear it, it isn't real."

"'Marijuana' is a harmful 'drug'."

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #12 posted by FoM on March 25, 2007 at 10:06:23 PT
JHarshaw
I was in sales for years and one thing I learned is to only ask a question that you know you will get the answer that you want.

So let's see how I could word a question.

When you were young you smoked marijuana and you decided it wasn't for you and stopped. You were able to carry on your life but what if you had been arrested like happens to so many now? What is your suggestions to right this wrong?



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #11 posted by JHarshaw on March 25, 2007 at 09:52:17 PT
FoM
When Bush the 2nd was asked about that didn't he say something about he thought it should be left up to the individual states?

And we all know how far that got.

The question needs to be put to ALL candidates at ALL levels.



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #10 posted by FoM on March 25, 2007 at 09:41:11 PT
JHarshaw
I know that it's a long hard road but someday we will win. It could take years and years or it could happen fairly quickly. I think we need to really asked those running for president what would they do about marijuana prohibition.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #9 posted by JHarshaw on March 25, 2007 at 09:37:03 PT
Federal Law Change
My Dear FoM, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting as long as the pharmaceutical industry continues to spend millions of dollars on lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C.

But we live in hope!



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #8 posted by FoM on March 25, 2007 at 08:57:09 PT
JHarshaw
It's good to see you. I don't know if more states will help but it should. The problem is how it's really not workable no matter how we try to think it is. Until they change the laws on growing how can it work? We need for the law to be changed on a federal level I think.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #7 posted by JHarshaw on March 25, 2007 at 08:21:49 PT
O. T. question
Greetings all.

I was just wondering, what do you think will happen, (if anything), when there are more states with medical cannabis laws than not?

"Majority Rules?".....maybe.

Just a thought, Peace and pot.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #6 posted by Sinsemilla Jones on March 25, 2007 at 01:58:04 PT
So Montel taking OxyContin...
sends the right message to kids?



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #5 posted by mayan on March 24, 2007 at 15:17:23 PT
Lieberman
Senator Joe Liebermouse is from Connecticut. He has long been a puppet of the insurance and pharmaceutical industries. I would bet my bottom dollar that he has been trying to derail this legislation, but to no avail thus far. Let's hope he and his handlers can't "touch" the Governor.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #4 posted by BGreen on March 24, 2007 at 14:35:41 PT
Toni Boucher: Montel Williams is a big fat liar!
I have been on everything," Williams, 50, told an audience at the Legislative Office Building. It is the only thing that works, Williams said.

"Marijuana is a harmful drug that doesn't save or improve lives. It can undermine the seriously ill's best prospect of recovery and can ruin their life," state Rep. Toni Boucher, R-Norwalk, one of the more vocal opponents of the measure, said while testifying before the judiciary committee's vote.

The credibility vote goes to Montel, but I wish Toni Boucher could suffer such incredible pain as Montel, only to have some other dip$h!t tell her that her medicine that works doesn't work and see if she gives a flying flip about the "kids."

The Reverend Bud Green

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #3 posted by Sam Adams on March 24, 2007 at 13:42:34 PT
Victory is near?
Wow, this is really big stuff. Connecticut is a very button-down affluent state, this will be a big milestone in the effort to get state legislatures to act. It looks like they are going to pass a bill including cultivation. Bravo!

The cure spread from Rhode Island to CT. Now, NY is next! A lot of people that work in NY live in CT. The southern part of CT is the most affluent area of the country, much old money from NY. This is a great statement.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #2 posted by Had Enough on March 24, 2007 at 09:57:01 PT
Another Dr. Representative…

making statements about medical science again.

"This bill would take our state down a dangerous path," state Rep. Toni Boucher, R-Norwalk, one of the more vocal opponents of the measure, said while testifying before the judiciary committee's vote. "Marijuana is a harmful drug that doesn't save or improve lives. It can undermine the seriously ill's best prospect of recovery and can ruin their life."

Smoking marijuana raises patients' risks of cancer, causes respiratory problems and can increase a person's risk of a heart attack by raising their heart rate, Boucher said. She said there is other medication available currently - including Marinol, which contains derivatives of marijuana - that deliver marijuana's pain-relieving effects without causing the other health problems from smoking it.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #1 posted by potpal on March 24, 2007 at 09:46:52 PT
Meet a Prohibitionist
Rep. Toni Boucher, R-Norwalk

And quite an ignorant one.

[ Post Comment ]


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