Wisconsin medical cannabis patient vigil at last Doyle State of State

[grace]

MADISON: Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, who supports the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act, will deliver his eighth and final State of the State (SOTS) address before a joint meeting of the State Legislature on Tuesday night at 7pm.

 

Governor Doyle has been on record throughout his term as willing to sign medical cannabis legislation if it reached his desk. Since the introduction of the JRMMA, he has gone further in his support, calling it "senseless" to block access to patients.. State advocates have been reaching out to the Governor's office recently and requesting he mention the JRMMA in the address.

 

The JRMMA, sponsored by Rep. Mark Pocan, (D-Madison), and Sen. Jon Erpenbach, (D-Waunakee), remains in committee. Supporters crowded the State Capitol on Wed. Jan. 24 for a Memorial for Mary Powers and JRMMA Lobby Day. In the Legislature as a whole, while some Republican lawmakers have privately expressed sympathy for the plight of patients and Sen. Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend), said he might vote for it, no Republican member has yet stepped up to publicly state they would vote for the bill. A recent ABC News poll found that nationwide, 81% of Americans support legalizing medicinal cannabis, including 75% of Republicans.

 

On Sunday, medical cannabis patients and supporters filled Madison's High Noon Saloon for a benefit, enjoying four hours of music and speakers including Jacki Rickert, Gary Storck and Teresa Shepherd. Jacki's refrain, "This Bill, This Time" was echoed repeatedly. Camera crews recorded the event for upcoming tv ads and online posting.

 

Meanwhile, Jacki and supporters hope that Gov. Doyle will urge passage of the JRMMA on Tuesday night. "What a better legacy to leave behind, a legacy of hope for patients," she told us Monday. As for the Legislature, Jacki said this, "We're willing to negotiate, people don't have time, another year, another six months. It's got to be, this bill, this time."

 

For more info: List of qualifying medical conditions included in the JRMMA. Jacki Rickert MMJ Act Hearing Recap & Action Alert. Report on Jan. 20 Mary Powers Memorial and JRMMA Lobby Day. For additional details on the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act, info on the Dec. 15, 2010 combined Health committee hearing, bill text and status, how to donate, all the latest news and how you can help, visit JRMMA.org, IMMLY.org or MadisonNORML.org. Visit my Madison NORML Examiner articles archive. Photos courtesy IMMLY/WI NORML and friends except where otherwise noted.

 

Author: Gary Stock

Date: 25 January 2010

Source:Examiner.com

http://www.examiner.com/x-30194-Madison-NO...of-State-Adress