Cancer sufferer to Kansas senators: Why can’t I use marijuana to ease this pain?

Senate President Ty Masterson and members of the Kansas Senate:

I’m running out of time.

I’m fighting cancer and am running out of options for treatment.

The steroids I’ve been on since September are making me weaker and weaker.

I can barely lift my head; my legs are tingly and I have a trachea breathing tube. You have no idea how terrifying it is when you can’t move air in or out.

This is actually my second bout with cancer. After suffering tremendous pain the first time — having part of my jaw and front of my neck removed — I learned how patients in other states have benefited from medicinal cannabis.

For over five years now, I have been advocating for this option in Kansas.

I have traveled to the Capitol, testified and sent messages to legislators.

Prior to the start of this session, my friend, state Sen. Cindy Holscher, arranged a meeting for us with state Sens. Rob Olson and Dinah Sykes and a representative of the governor’s office.

I was encouraged by what I heard that day as those who attended the meeting seemed committed to getting medical cannabis legalized.

My hope was that this session would be “the year” and that treatment would be available to help my situation.

With the House passing the bill in 2021, there has been plenty of time for you and other senators who have questions or concerns to learn about the benefits of medicinal cannabis.

I’ve sent you messages, called your office and yet, I’ve heard nothing back.

I know you were also invited to the meeting with other senators prior to the start of session. I guess if you don’t respond or engage with me, you don’t have to think about the suffering I am going through.

It feels you are more worried about political power than the lives of the people you represent.

Some friends have suggested that I just go ahead and get cannabis and not worry about ramifications.

But that’s not who I am.

I don’t intend to break the law even though my situation is growing more severe.

I now have extreme swelling in my face and throat, that will likely kill me before the cancer does.

I am a lifelong Republican who supported Donald Trump who has lived in Kansas since 2009.

If you won’t even help me, then my guess is you really aren’t interested in helping anyone.

If you can’t make decisions for the good of the people, then you shouldn’t be making decisions at all.

I know you return to session May 23. I am asking you to please do the right thing and help patients like myself who are suffering.

You have the power to bring forward the bill for a vote. You have the power to try to save my life.

My door is open and I’m extending another invitation to you: Come visit with me this week so you can see firsthand what cancer is doing to me and learn how medicinal cannabis could help ease the suffering.

This story was originally published May 17, 2022 at 12:00 AM.