I take pen to paper as a Vietnam Era veteran and a 67-year old resident of Indiana – a place I have chosen to call home, along with my three cats, after moving from a state where medical and recreational marijuana are legal. Like many others, I grapple with health problems that make everyday life a challenge. I don't resort to conventional pain killers, but instead I use marijuana which has proven to be effective. Not only does it help alleviate my pain, it makes life’s everyday tasks more bearable.

However, my lifeline is deemed illegal by the state of Indiana. I've paid a high price for this, being given a court date for a misdemeanor for possession. But I am just one of many who find themselves entangled in a legal quagmire for benefitting from a plant that is known for its medicinal advantages. Is it fair that we continue criminalizing individuals genuinely in need of a more holistic form of relief?

Medical marijuana has been shown to have numerous therapeutic benefits in the treatment of conditions including chronic pain, PTSD, and seizures. In fact, medical marijuana is currently legal in 36 states in the U.S., a testament to its widely recognized potential (source: National Conference of State Legislatures, 2021).

It is time for Indiana to catch-up. This isn’t just about legalizing a substance, it is about improving the lives of citizens like myself who are simply trying to cope with everyday pain with greater dignity and independence. So, join me in asking the state of Indiana to render this crucial change - legalize access to medical marijuana. Please sign this petition and make a difference in the lives of thousands of Hoosiers today.