A seven-day, 210-mile wheelchair protest march for seriously ill patients who require medicinal marijuana but are legally denied access to it, begins today in Wisconsin. The demonstration, known as the “Journey for Justice II” will originate in Modovi and culminate at the state capitol. The inaugural journey took place in Ohio this past May.
The tour begins from the hometown of patient Jackie Rickert, who helped to organize the rally. Rickert, who suffers from Ehlors Danlos Syndrome, was approved by the federal government in 1990 to receive marijuana, but has never had her prescription honored. Thirteen additional patients will join Rickert on the eight town journey that concludes in Madison on September 18. Upon arrival, Rep. Frank Boyle (D-Superior), along with co-sponsor Tammy Baldwin (D-Madison), will introduce legislation to protect patients who use marijuana under a physician’s supervision from state criminal charges.
Event coordinator Kay Lee, who uses marijuana medicinally to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis, said that she hopes the second “Joumey 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.
Similar events are anticipated to take place this fall in Texas, North Carolina, and Florida.
The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) is the chief sponsor of the Wisconsin event.
For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre of The NORML Foundation at (202) 483-8751.