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| Med. Marijuana Law Expanded to Add Crohn's Disease |
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Posted by FoM on November 08, 1999 at 11:52:22 PT For Immediate Release Source: PRNewswire 
In the first test of a key provision in the new Washington State Medical Marijuana law, the Medical Quality Assurance Commission has voted to add "Crohn's Disease" to the list of qualifying illnesses allowed to use medical marijuana.
In November 1998, Washington State Voters approved Initiative 692, allowing patients with certain terminal or debilitating illnesses, under the direction of their doctor, to use marijuana to ease their suffering. The measure allowed for the addition of qualifying illnesses through petition to the Commission. Dr. Rob Killian, the primary sponsor of the initiative, was also behind this petition. "Crohn's Disease is a particularly debilitating illness, and patients have long espoused the use of marijuana to ease some its more severe symptoms," states Killian. "By adding this illness to the list, we are further safeguarding a group of patients who need protection from criminal prosecution for using a medicine that works." Crohn's Disease is an inflammatory bowel disease, characterized by severe abdominal pain, nausea, and weight loss. Marijuana can be effective in easing these symptoms for some patients. Dr. Killian decided to petition the commission after one of his patients, who suffers from Crohn's disease, was arrested and prosecuted for using marijuana. "I am proud of the work done by the Medical Quality Assurance Commission," asserts Killian, "they had a difficult task to look at the documentation, listen to the testimony, and make an informed decision." The list of qualifying illnesses will now be expanded to include Crohn's Disease. The law previously allowed for use by patients suffering from AIDS, Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, Glaucoma, and Intractable Pain. "When we drafted this initiative, we knew that there needed to be a mechanism to allow for the addition of medical conditions if information became available to show that its symptoms can be relieved by marijuana," states Killian, "we are happy to see that the system has worked." Contact: Tim Killian Published: November 8, 1999 Related Web Site: Washington Citizens For Medical Rights Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help |
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Comment #3 posted by Rebecca Chambers on August 15, 2001 at 14:20:15 PT:
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| I have moderate to severe Crohn's disease and have been steroid free for about two years. Although I was only on them for about three years, now at 27 I have osteoporosis, weakened eyesight (which cannot be corrected), and weakened liver and kidney function. I am so thankful that steroids such as Budesonide and Prednisone exist - for me it's a relief to know that although pretty much toxic, these medications are available to me should I become very sick again and require intravenous feeding. Out of all the unfortunate side effects that steroids posess, the wonderful things it did give me was pain relief and, halelujah!, an appetite! Which brings me to this sadly misrepresented little plant which provides the human race with a natural, harmless means of complete pain and nausea management (among MANY other benefits for a miriad of illnesses, not to mention the economic value - yes, we can pretty much fuel our planet on hemp!) For me, marijuana is the most effective way of combating the sometimes debilitating symptoms of Crohns Disease - oh yeah, there's of course massive pain killers and obsene amounts of gravol, which pretty much make you pass out or if you're lucky enough to stay awake you may be able to engage in such rewarding activities as lying around, staring at the tube, lying around some more, staring at a really interesting piece of cat fluff - the list goes on! Smoking a joint, sometimes only a few 'puffs' allows me to GET ON WITH MY LIFE, THANK GOD! Yes I'm careful about how much I smoke before going to work, and no I do NOT drive under the influence. Marijuana has allowed me to continue doing the things that I love and am passionate for. I no longer live with the fear that I am a slave to my condition. If my disease desides to strike while I'm at work or at an audtion or away on vacation, I know that there is a natural, unbelievably effective, and pretty harmless way in which to completely and very quickly eradicate my symptoms without turning me into a zombie. I am so excited about prospective news regarding legalization, especially dealing with medicinal benefits and am grateful to all patients and doctors who have worked so hard in combating the injust stigma attatched to marijuana. Thank you Warriors and keep fighting! [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #2 posted by FoM on November 08, 1999 at 19:50:04 PT |
| Comment #1 posted by kaptinemo on November 08, 1999 at 16:19:45 PT |
Her blood is partially on the hands of the Drug Wariors, may they burn in Hell.
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