Marijuana plant (file photo)
The legalization of marijuana is gaining momentum throughout the nation, with 23 states and the District of Columbia legalizing the controversial drug in some form.
Gary Storck is a longtime cannabis advocate and founder of Is My Medicine Legal Yet? “Even people who have historically opposed this have to be aware of the changes that are occurring around the country and just how many places are looking at this.”
Storck, who’s afflicted by glaucoma and uses medical marijuana to prolong his eyesight, is convinced pot can relieve suffering from chronic pain and debilitating medical conditions. “The federal government even just recently acknowledged that cannabis can kill cancer cells, so we’re seeing more and more awareness of things like that.”
In addition to smoking pot for his glaucoma, Storck has had several open heart surgeries; after which the nearly 60-year-old Madisonian said cannabis has helped ease the pain and improve his health.
It’s becoming more difficult for opponents to ignore the benefits of cannabis, Storck said, including its ability to slow or stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. A bill was signed into law last year in Wisconsin that legalized the use of cannabidiol for medical purposes.
AUDIO: Storck said the benefits of pot are getting too hard to ignore, referencing Wisconsin’s legalization of cannabidiol in 2014. :10
Representative Melissa Sargent (D-Madison) is expected to officially introduce her marijuana legislation (LRB-0188) today/Monday.
UPDATE: Upon making her announcement, Sargent said legalizing the controversial drug would reduce crime and create jobs. Governor Scott Walker opposes legalization, calling marijuana a “gateway” drug.