Washington State Senator
P.O. Box 1234
Olympia, WA 98504

Dear Senator,

Voters sent a clear message when they enacted The Medical Use of Marijuana Act. Indeed, approximately 80% of all Americans support the use of marijuana when recommended by a physician. Although the US federal government continues to target medical marijuana suppliers in California, it remains the duty of Washington State officials to enforce the laws of our Evergreen State. Sadly, there is at this time a critical need to rescue medical marijuana patients who have fallen into the clutches of overzealous drug warriors.

Case #02-C-02573-7 SEA: Mark Spohn suffers from Hepatitis C, a severely painful and debilitating illness that destroys the liver, leading to death. Even an expensive liver transplant cannot cure this deadly disease. As liver damage develops, patients are often required to abstain from conventional medications that can contribute to cirrhosis. Medical marijuana is especially useful to Hepatitis C patients who have increasingly limited pharmaceutical options. It is quite alarming that Seattle law enforcers have so little compassion for a dying man who grew marijuana in his home as allowed by law. Mark Spohn's criminal trial is currently set to begin on February 18. There is little doubt that the entire nation will learn of this case in due course.

Case #01-1-00592-1: Bruce Buckner has suffered from Crohn's disease, including progressive hardening of the intestines, for over thirty years. Common medications become ineffectual for Crohn's patients who cannot properly digest food or medicines. Bruce was arrested for growing medical marijuana in his home. He exercised Miranda rights before officers asked for medical marijuana documentation, and heartless prosecutors have used that unforeseen technicality to deny his use of the medical marijuana defense. The Buckner trial is currently set for March, but Bruce's attorneys expect appellate motions will eventually be determined by the Washington State Supreme Court.

Washington voters sent a clear message when they enacted The Medical Use of Marijuana Act. The law protects patients from criminal prosecution when marijuana is recommended by a licensed physician. Abuse of prosecutorial powers to repudiate the lawful rights of severely ill persons must not be tolerated, especially in a year of deep budgetary deficits and looming international conflicts. Costly and unsuccessful prosecutions of legally qualified medical marijuana patients will certainly find a negative response in The Seattle Times and other media sources sensitive to the financial and legal concerns of Washington taxpayers.

The voters of this state have spoken. It is up to you to enforce the medical marijuana law, and also to reinforce legal protections guaranteed under RCW: 69.51A. Sick and dying marijuana patients need your help now. Please take this opportunity to step into the light and become a hero of your constituency. Protect the rights ascribed by The Medical Use of Marijuana Act.

A message of compassion from The Lifevine Foundation