Organizers of the original “Journey for Justice” are planning a second wheelchair trek in Wisconsin beginning on September 11. “Journey for Justice” is a week-long demonstration in protest of the federal government’s refusal to allow seriously ill patients access to medical marijuana. The inaugural journey took place in Ohio this past May.
Event coordinator Kay Lee, who uses marijuana medicinally to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis, said that she hopes the second “Journey for Justice” sends a strong message to state and federal politicians that there are thousands of seriously ill patients who benefit from the medicinal use of marijuana. Lee also intends to drum up support for H.R. 1782, a federal bill in Congress that would remove federal restrictions that currently prevent physicians from legally prescribing marijuana. “When common sense and compassion are in conflict with the law, then the law is wrong and must be changed,” she said.
Next month’s event will feature medical marijuana patients from across the nation, including Wisconsin native Jackie Rickart, who is helping to organize the rally. Rickart, who was approved by the federal government in 1990 to receive marijuana but has never had her prescription honored, is dedicating the demonstration to her late physician.
The wheelchair trek will begin in Mondovi and travel 214 miles across the state before arriving at the capitol on September 18. Participants intend to meet with Rep. Frank Boyle (D-73 District) and hold a press conference. Boyle assured activists that he intends to propose legislation designed to protect medicinal marijuana patients from state criminal charges.
Similar events are anticipated to take place this fall in Texas, North Carolina, and Florida.
For more information, please contact Kay Lee at (715) 926-4950.