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The Code of the West

Busy ACLU Makes Time For Medical Marijuana Rights

ACLU

 

The ACLU almost always has a lot on their plate as they regularly step up to defend those who without a voice.  They are known for shedding light on issues that often involve racial, gender, financial inequalities.  They have also been a friend to the medical marijuana movement and this month alone have really expanded their efforts.

Several weeks ago the ACLU announced it would be filing a lawsuit against the Rhode Island Department of Health.  The suit was filed because the department has stopped accepting medical marijuana applications that have signed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants.  For many sick patients, getting an appointment and traveling to see the doctor can be difficult.  The move by the Department of Health may severely restrict access for vulnerable patients.  JoAnne Leppanen of The Rhode Island Patient Advocacy Coalition agreed and said ‘‘What the health department has done is put up another barrier, basically pulling the rug out from under the patients.’’

Moving over to the other side of the country, the ACLU is also trying to bring awareness to medical marijuana in Montana.  Last night they screened the documentary “The Code of the West” which highlights the political debates regarding marijuana in Montana.  The film deals with a host of issues including medical marijuana’s benefits, the division among Montana residents on the issue and the upcoming vote on IR 124.  If Montana residents vote to pass IR 124, then they would see the 2004 medical marijuana law repealed.

The ACLU is urging Montana residents to vote “no” on IR 124.  In the height of political season, the ACLU has many important issues to deal with.  The group is also busy trying to fight efforts to suppress the vote.  However, as marijuana.net stated on Monday, it is encouraging to see that major news outlets (60 Minutes ran a story on Colorado’s medical marijuana program on Sunday Night) and activists groups are still fighting for marijuana reform even many other issues grabbing the headlines.

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