Pass the Compassionate Care Act NOW!

Dear Editor:

As a graduate from Adelphi University with recognition in the Levermore Global Scholars Program (represents a spirit of civic engagement and global learning that fosters outstanding leadership talent) and the aspiration of becoming a future Pediatrician, the passage of the Compassionate Care Act is something that is very important to me. Although I do not have any chronic or debilitating illnesses, I know many people who do, and I know for a fact that medical marijuana will be of great use for them. For example, my eldest cousin was recently diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. Before his diagnosis, I could have counted on him to help me with anything I asked for. Now, it breaks my heart to see his swollen hands, his weak legs, but most importantly, the pain in his eyes.

I remember going to his house many times and seeing how hard it was for him to get out of bed; sometimes it would be so difficult that he wouldn’t make it to school. Although it took him more than two years to graduate from Nassau Community College, I am proud to say that he finally did it, as well as being awarded the Dr. Donna Bacon Scholarship, which is awarded to one full-time student dealing with a serious health issue who plans on attending a four year institution!

Medical marijuana has been proved to be safe and effective in controlling chronic pain, and it may also help patients living with cancer, Parkinson’s’ disease, HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, and many other devastating illnesses. Physicians have a constitutionally protected right to discuss the use of medical marijuana with their patients, as illustrated in the Conant vs. Walters case. Denying patients to the access of this medication is cruel, and I think that Albany should work on passing this act as soon as possible. 

As Jeremy Bentham formulated in the 18th century, utilitarianism asserts that we should always act in a way that produces the greatest ratio of good to evil for everyone concerned with our decision. By passing the Compassionate Care Act, many patients who are suffering from these painful illnesses can have a chance to reduce their pain and have a reason to wake up every morning with a smile on their faces.

Thank you for your time.

Jennifer Bacchus

9412 Vanderveer St
Queens Village NY 11428

jenniferbacchus@mail.adelphi.edu

(917) 502-0116