I sent this letter to friends and family early Weds, but thought I’d share it here as I know there are 1000’s of others in my state and around the U.S. who have similar stories.
Michigan’s Proposal 1, which would legalize the use of marijuana by patients with serious medical conditions such as cancer, AIDS/HIV, MS, and others, passed overwhelmingly Tues. evening, 63%-37% at last check. Michigan residents demonstrated what true compassion is, and seriously ill patients no longer face jail for relieving their suffering. This was a true grassroots, volunteer-lead campaign effort from beginning to end. I’d like to personally thank everyone that signed the petitions a yr. ago when I was hounding you at work, school, or anywhere I could find you, as well of those of you that took yard signs from me and spread the word to your friends and family, or donated money, and most importantly those of you that voted “Yes.”
As you may have guessed, I’m very passionate about this subject. While I’ve become kind of an amateur medicinal marijuana expert because of my policy studies in grad school, I also have a personal stake in this movement. In the interest of disclosure, yes, I do have a condition that is covered under Prop 1. I share these details only to perhaps put a familiar face on this vote. Some of you may have visited me in the hospital after one of my surgeries, or had me skip out on work or family functions because I’m knocked out on pain meds or side effects from treatment. I’ve been on 21 different medications in the last 3 yrs to keep my condition in check but so far, the most relief I can manage is a few months before the medicine decreases in effectiveness. Every “miracle drug” I’ve tried had results far less impressive than the shiny drug co. booklet promised. I will evaluate whether to use marijuana when the law is in full effect after I consult with my doctors and my employer to see if my employer will accommodate the new legislation or not. However, it’s comforting to know that an option which has demonstrated tremendous effectiveness, with far fewer side effects than my current meds, is legally available. Playing with my two little babies while hooked up to assorted machinery, although exciting, isn’t as easy as one would think.
I met some amazing people while working on this initiative, people whose suffering and bravery far exceed my own. These people and their loved ones were forced to sneak around to avoid arrest and prosecution. They and their families have gone through a hell that you and I can never imagine and marijuana has been the only medicine that enabled them to go through yet another round of chemotherapy, or to ease the debilitating nerve pain that keeps them bedridden, or prevents them from vomiting up the meds that keeps AIDS/HIV from taking their life. So, even if you supported Prop 1 just because I was hounding you, please know that your vote has removed the threat of arrest from the minds of some seriously ill people who already carry too heavy a burden. So, pat yourselves on the back as you’ve done a very good thing. Sick people simply wanted relief, and you’ve given it to them.
Blessings,
The Chum Master
Your Daily Chum 
