A few years back, I experienced some unfamiliar symptoms that made me feel unwell. Confused by these, I decided to rest for a few days, and surprisingly, I felt better. I resumed my regular routine thinking it was just a passing bug. However, to my dismay, the same mysterious illness resurfaced a few weeks later and continued to recur. This pattern became so frequent that it started to feel like a part of my routine. It was only three years ago that I finally decided to bring up these unusual symptoms with my doctor, who promptly referred me to a specialist.
Fibromyalgia affects a significant portion of the population, ranging from 2 to 8%, and is characterized by chronic pain and fatigue. Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for this condition, making it a challenging condition to manage. Contrary to what some legislators may claim, obtaining a diagnosis for a chronic pain condition like fibromyalgia involves a meticulous process. In my personal experience, it required consulting with over a dozen specialists and undergoing more than 80 medical tests, some of which were invasive, over a period of three years before finally receiving a diagnosis. Treatment options for fibromyalgia are limited to lifestyle modifications and prescription-only controlled substances, which may not consistently provide relief. Finding an effective treatment can be a difficult task for patients.
Dealing with a chronic pain condition can pose numerous challenges.
Living with chronic pain in Kansas becomes more challenging due to the state’s prohibition on medical cannabis. As someone with fibromyalgia, I have witnessed firsthand the positive effects of medical cannabis on family members residing in states where it is legal. It has proven to be a lifesaver for them, providing relief from chronic pain and addressing the associated sleep disturbances. And research indicates that they are not alone in experiencing these benefits.
Around 26% of Kansans are believed to have a chronic pain condition, with almost half of them relying on opioids for treatment. This means that approximately 765,000 individuals in Kansas are living with chronic pain, without access to a proven and safer alternative treatment option. It’s not the doctors who are withholding this option, but rather our legislators.
Year after year, lawmakers continuously find excuses for their failure to take action on medical cannabis. Instead of focusing on the facts, they often resort to using exaggerated hypothetical scenarios to oppose this policy. One common argument is the fear of organized crime that could arise from government-regulated marijuana. However, there is no evidence to support the claim that legalization leads to an increase in criminal activity. Another argument is the concern that medical cannabis will pave the way for the legalization of recreational use. Yet, it is important to note that a separate law would need to be passed by the Legislature for that to occur. Furthermore, opponents caution against the potential rise in drug abuse within this new market. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the use of opioid alternatives has already caused immense harm.
During a hearing on a separate medical cannabis bill earlier this year, U.S. Navy veteran and emergency medicine physician, Bryon McNeil, emphasized that the fear surrounding cannabis is unfounded. He urged policymakers to grant Kansans the medical freedom to opt for cannabis as an alternative to prescription drugs.
According to a survey conducted in 2023, the legalization of cannabis for recreational use is supported by 67% of Kansans, including a majority of Republicans. Interestingly, this level of support is even higher than the proposed legislation for legalizing medicinal cannabis. It is quite surprising that such a large majority of Kansans can find common ground on this issue, regardless of their political affiliations. What is even more shocking is that the legislative leadership and their appointed committee chairs have prevented medical marijuana bills from being voted on in either chamber.
Lawmakers may see a potential shift in dynamics as they reconvene at the Statehouse this week. Upon their return, a motion is expected to be made in the Senate to revive Senate Bill 135, a medical cannabis bill. Although this motion doesn’t guarantee the bill’s passage or an immediate vote, it will serve as a means to document which legislators are in favor of exploring possibilities for medical cannabis.
Sick Kansans are still enduring suffering as lawmakers drag their feet. Although I have only experienced chronic pain for a few years, there are many Kansans with more severe illnesses who have been pleading with lawmakers for over a decade. These individuals are seeking relief through the availability of medical cannabis, as it can greatly improve the quality of life for many residents in Kansas.
Melissa Stiehler serves as the advocacy director for Loud Light and Loud Light Civic Action, a nonprofit organization based in Kansas. The organization is dedicated to promoting civil and voting rights, advocating for government transparency, and encouraging civic engagement. The Kansas Reflector, through its opinion section, strives to give a platform to those impacted by public policies or marginalized in public discourse. To learn more about this initiative and discover how you can contribute your own commentary, please visit their website.