TOPEKA, Kan. — Medical marijuana advocates are getting another chance to present their arguments to lawmakers on Tuesday, saying that medical marijuana is the best medicine for their chronic pain and illnesses.
A House committee hearing is set for Tuesday afternoon. Patients will testify that medical marijuana is the only thing that can give them relief from their ailments.
Kansan David Mulford says that he has lived with chronic pain from a hernia and debilitating muscle spasms for over 20 years. He says that he has tried many different medications and treatments, but only marijuana oil gives him any relief from his symptoms.
He says that he hopes lawmakers will make it legal for him to use it to stop the pain.
“Kansas was the last state to repeal prohibition,” said Mulford. “I don’t believe they’ll be the last to repeal this. I believe that with every fiber of my being.”
Opponents say that legalizing medical marijuana will only lead to more drug abuse. If the committee moves the issue forward, Kansas lawmakers may get to decide the issue later this year.
A similar bill proposed in 2011 never made it out of committee, as some lawmakers refused to even listen to any testimony about the matter.
