Connellsville woman reacts to Corbett’s position on medical cannabis
Julie Michaels is cautiously optimistic.
The Connellsville woman learned Thursday that Gov. Tom Corbett is changing his position on medical marijuana and is backing the legalization of a marijuana extract to treat severe seizures in children.
“I have really mixed feelings about the whole thing,” Michaels said. “It’s exciting that he’s changing his mind, but he’s still leaving out a large, large percentage of Pennsylvanians who could need it.”
Michaels’ daughter, Sydney, suffers from Dravet Syndrome, a rare and catastrophic form of intractable epilepsy that begins in infancy.
According to Michaels, her 4-year-old daughter typically has around 3,000 seizures weekly. Her family is one of several in Pennsylvania calling for the full legalization of medical marijuana in the form of Senate Bill 1182, the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act.
“We’re still pushing for the Senate Bill 1182, which is a much better option for Pennsylvanians,” Michaels said. “Veterans suffering from PTSD, people with dementia — there’s a bunch of people who could benefit from full legalization.”
Corbett and first lady Susan Corbett on Thursday met with parents of children who have Dravet Syndrome and other related severe seizure disorders to discuss his proposal that would allow access to cannabidiol (CBD) in Pennsylvania.
CBD is an oil derivative of cannabis that is taken orally.
“I have been looking at this issue extensively over the past few months and listening to many perspectives,” Corbett said in a statement. “I have heard the concerns and heartbreaking stories of these families and want to help. However, we must address this issue in a way that helps these families, but also protects the public health and safety of all Pennsylvanians.”
Corbett spokesman Jay Pagni says the governor’s plan will need approval from the Legislature.
He says CBD would be dispensed by research-based hospitals with medical professionals who are experienced in treating children with severe seizure disorders.
Michaels said it appears that Corbett wants to help children like Sydney but is concerned because she knows of a family who has a 17-year-old son who suffers from seizures.
“He turns 18 in a few months. Would he be out of the loop?” Michaels asked.
Michaels believes Corbett made this decision because of the pressure he has been receiving from families like hers.
She said at least 12 to 15 families have written to or called Corbett’s office requesting meetings.
“For most of us, we couldn’t get any response from him,” she said.
In addition to writing and calling Corbett’s office, the families pulled together to initiate an effort called “Bombard with a Card,” where they printed up cards with the faces of children like Sydney and sent them to his office.
Michaels’ said his office received “well over” 5,000 responses.
There was also a petition sent to his office with names of more than 11,000 Pennsylvanians in support of medical marijuana legalization, she said.
The families also threatened to have a sit-in at his office if they didn’t receive a response by the deadline they set, which was Friday.
“I think all of this is what finally prompted a response from him,” Michaels said.
Although Michaels sees the announcement as positive news, she and other families are still fighting for full legalization of medical marijuana.
A website called campaign4compassion.com is dedicated to educating the public about Senate Bill 1182.
“It’s a fantastic piece of legislation — it’s very structured,” she said. “We’re going to keep fighting.”