BLOG: My part in Delaware SB17

Diagnosed in 2008 with Cervical Cancer..a friend suggested marijuana when I was going through chemo and radiation.

Marijuana eased my pain. From the radiation burns, indescribable nausea, and horrific nerve pain, side effects and stress. Marijuana is therapeutic. Marijuana gave me the ability to get up and move. I researched and found others who know the therapeutic value of marijuana.

So, I traveled to Dover when I could in 2009 and 2010 to speak before House & Senate about having cancer and how I benefit from Medical Marijuana.

I introduced myself to Sen. Margaret Rose Henry (D-Wilmington) and Rep. Helene Keeley (D-Wilmington), in 2009 and was completely moved by their fearless leadership and passion. I began attending sessions and speaking out about my disease and choosing marijuana over prescribed narcotics!

Delaware is the 16th medical marijuana state!

Governor Jack Markell (D) signed SB 17 into law on May 13, 2011 making Delaware is a medical marijuana state. Gov. Markell’s signature followed the House’s 27-14 vote to approve the bill on May 5th, and the Senate’s 17-4 vote on May 11th.

SB 17 is a carefully constructed bill that will protect us, (the seriously ill Delawareans) from arrest for using doctor-recommended medical marijuana.

In July 2011 the law’s limited affirmative defense went into effect and is designed to prevent qualifying patients from being convicted for medical marijuana possession if they are abiding by this new law. Though not protect against arrests or prosecution, ( you see the problem here right? ) and doesn't include cultivation. (and here). The defense will be consistently available to patients now until 75 days after ID card applications are available.

SB17 also includes tightly regulated and limited distribution of medical marijuana by licensing three not-for-profit compassion care centers, one in each county, by Jan 1, 2013. Patients can receive up to three ounces of marijuana every 14 days.

Delaware has harsh marijuana laws, and the twelfth-highest marijuana arrest rate in the U.S. First-offense possession of even a single joint is punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,150 fine, which is the fourth-harshest penalty in the nation for personal use possession.

So, read through SB17, if you qualify and are interested in marijuana, call your doctor and ask for a letter of recommendation.

Happy Healthy 2012,

Diane
CANCERVIXXEN
notwith0utafight@aol.com