Some don't understand needs of medical marijuana patients

By William Reid |  Published in the Billings Gazette

Today is a very sad day. As a medical marijuana caregiver, it is always sad to read in the obituaries that one of your patients has died from the debilitating effects of cancer.

I watched her struggle with her disease for the better part of a year. She never complained or showed any sign of ill will toward anyone.

She never complained even when she was so weak that she could barely walk into our store to purchase the cannabis that allowed her to combat the constant nausea that she suffered throughout her illness. She never complained when she read almost daily in The Billings Gazette that she was being demonized and accused of criminal behavior.

She never spoke an ill word against those who call themselves “Christians” and systematically try to repeal the law that allowed her to medicate with cannabis. She gracefully endured the insulting accusations by the group “Safe Community, Safe Kids,” who constantly insinuated that her medical cannabis was somehow harming schoolchildren.

This gentle spirit has gone to a place where she will be judged for her valor and her inner beauty.

It is ironic that in the very same Gazette in which her obituary appeared, a member of Safe Community, Safe Kids has printed an appeal to call the governor and urge him to sign the medical marijuana repeal bill.

I am guessing there is a special set of rules for judging people who are so intolerant, judgmental, uncompassionate and quick to condemn other members of our community.

I hope to witness the event when those rules are applied.