State Senator Patrick Testin (R) published an op-ed today titled “Why I’m trying to legalize medical marijuana”, explaining his personal motivation behind new legislation that would make Wisconsin the 41st state to legalize medical cannabis.
In the piece, Testin recounted how his grandfather’s battle with cancer in the 1990s shaped his view of medical marijuana.
“I can remember, with vivid detail, the exact moment I knew I wanted to pursue a life of public service”, says Testin. “Back in the 1990s, my grandfather, who was my role model, was diagnosed with lung cancer, which eventually metastasized to bone cancer. My grandfather was a big guy, but the chemotherapy treatments he went through took a tremendous toll on his body. It was a struggle for him to keep food down and, as a result, he lost a considerable amount of weight and strength. It was painful and heartbreaking to watch him wither away.”
Testin says that “With no other viable options available, my family made the difficult decision to go outside the law and get him marijuana.”
The transformation he underwent “was rather eye-opening”, says Testin. “Because he got his appetite back, I am confident that marijuana gave us more time with him before he ultimately passed away.”
Testin goes on to say “My story is not unique. Just about every one of us has known someone who has suffered, or is continuing to suffer, from a debilitating disease. They are our grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, siblings, friends, co-workers, classmates, and neighbors. That is why I am proposing legislation that would legalize medicinal cannabis in Wisconsin.”
Testin’s column comes less than two weeks after a public hearing on Senate Bill 534, legislation he co-sponsored alongside Senate President Mary Felzkowski (R) and several Republican House members. The proposal would establish an Office of Medical Cannabis Regulation under the Department of Health Services, tasked with overseeing patient registration and dispensary licensing.
Under the bill, patients could qualify for medical marijuana if diagnosed with conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, severe chronic pain, or terminal illness. The program would allow marijuana in the form of oils, tinctures, capsules, edibles, and vaporized products, but would prohibit smoking raw flower. Patients would pay a $20 annual registration fee and could designate up to three caregivers.
During the October 22 hearing before the Senate Committee on Health, the legislation received overwhelming support from patients, doctors, and advocates who testified that medical marijuana would provide relief for conditions where traditional medications have failed. Opposition was limited, with some critics raising concerns about access to flower products and impaired driving enforcement.
“It is long overdue that Wisconsin joins the 40 other states—including Illinois, Minnesota, and Michigan—that have given patients access to medical marijuana when prescribed by a doctor”, says Testin in the op-ed. Cannabis is far less harmful and poses fewer negative side effects than most prescription drugs—especially opiate-based painkillers—and our state’s residents should also have the choice to decide which healthcare options work best for them.”
Testin points to a recent poll, which found that more than 85 percent of Wisconsin citizens said they are in favor of medicinal marijuana.
“I’ve heard from many individuals who say my bill does not go far enough and that we should also legalize recreational cannabis”, noted Testin. “However, my primary focus is on ensuring that fewer people experience what my family had to endure with my grandfather. We should be empowering patients, in consultation with their medical providers, to seek out alternatives and, most importantly, relief.”
If approved, Wisconsin would join 40 other states with legalized medical marijuana programs, leaving only a handful without legal access.
You can find Testin’s full op-ed here.
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