Medical cannabis enthusiasts are raising their voices as legal battles persist, hindering the issuance of licenses for medical marijuana. In Daphne, Alabama, concerned citizens are advocating for the legalization of medical cannabis. Despite the lawsuits, these advocates remain steadfast in their efforts to push for the availability of medical marijuana in their community.
On Thursday, the Patients Coalition for Medical Cannabis Alabama began their latest effort to provide medical marijuana to those who require it in the state. The event took place at the Southern Cancer Center in Daphne, marking an early start to their campaign.
According to Dr. Michael Meshad, a Medical Oncologist at Southern Cancer Center, the drug is highly valuable and its availability, regulation, and reliability are crucial. He expressed his concern about patients having to acquire it from the streets, which is an unacceptable situation.
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission made a decision in July to grant licenses to applicants, but they are not yet being issued. This delay has frustrated advocates who are eager to see the distribution of medicinal cannabis. The lawsuits that have been filed are causing further obstacles to the process.
Amanda Taylor passionately urged individuals to drop lawsuits that are impeding patients from accessing essential medication due to corporate greed. She expressed her plea with fervor and emphasized the importance of prioritizing the well-being of patients over financial gain.
As an advocate for medical marijuana, Taylor, who is also the director of Patients Coalition for Medical Cannabis Alabama, has filed the first-ever lawsuit on behalf of patients across the state. Taylor herself suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, along with other debilitating diseases, which further fuels her passion for this cause.
Taylor shared that she experienced difficulties in walking and had spasms. Despite this, pharmaceuticals were the only option provided to her for relief from many of her symptoms, which came with several side effects. However, medical cannabis did not have any adverse effects on her and proved to be a lifesaver. “Medical cannabis saved my life,” Taylor stated.
According to Taylor, granting access to medical cannabis could provide care to over 54,000 people in Alabama within the first year.
