Response to Governor Corbett's Announcement

May 3, 2014

We would like to thank Governor Corbett for his thoughtful regard concerning children with severe seizure disorders. By proposing a research program on cannabis extract oil for treatment of Epilepsy, he has made a very important step in the right direction! Although we feel a research program is important to understand new ways that medical cannabis can treat disease and chronic pain, a fully functional medical cannabis program must be implemented immediately to treat the myriad of conditions known to respond positively to medical cannabis recommended by physicians in other states. We believe a program must be developed to be as inclusive as possible, while still addressing the governor's concerns. If medical cannabis is a medicine to alleviate suffering for some patients, it must be available for all who can benefit.

While we appreciate the kindness extended to a small number of our families, the vast majority of our advocates suffer from a myriad of diseases and conditions that we implore the Governor to include in his proposed research program. Despite the significant, but small step taken on May 1, we are united in our belief that, at this time, our demands have not been met. We have families who still await a meeting with Governor Corbett and his administration and we would like to ensure that both of our champions, Senator Folmer and Senator Leach, are not excluded from those meetings. We have assurances from both of their offices that politics must be cast aside. Eighty-five percent of Pennsylvanians were found to favor the legalization of Medical Marijuana, not a Cannabis oil research program. We have no doubt that the General Assembly will continue to represent the 85%.

Make no mistake, as advocates, we feel we have succeeded in the battle to gain Governor Corbett's attention, but our fight will go on until we are clear that a medical cannabis program in PA will help everyone who can benefit from it, not just the narrow few who will be helped by Governor Corbett's proposal. Without a comprehensive medical cannabis program in PA, those with cancer, chronic pain, Crohn's Disease, arthritis, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, chronic migraine, lupus, dementia, diabetes and veterans suffering with PTSD, not to mention adults with Epilepsy, will remain under treated. We look forward to working diligently with the Governor and Pennsylvania State Legislature in the near future to pass a substantial bill so that all Pennsylvanians may have access to treatment as recommended by their treating physician.

Sincerely,

The Administration for PA Advocates for Medical Marijuana

And Campaign for Compassion