Medical Marijuana: Poor People Need Not Apply?

by Chris Cassidy · 2010-08-06 11:47:00 UTC
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How often do you hear of a good idea coming out of Washington, D.C.?

Last year, the federal District of Columbia didn't just join 14 states in legalizing medical marijuana — the city went one step further to try and make it accessible to folks in need. The city enacted a sliding price scale that charges low-income patients lower prices.

By expanding access to medical marijuana, we're extending the American dream  to folks like Megan Skipper — a low-income, HIV-positive D.C. resident who relies on medical marijuana. She says it quells her nausea caused by the other drugs she takes to extend her life, permitting her to eat. According to Change.org's Megan Cottrell, Skipper's limited budget only permits her to spend minimal amounts to fill her medical marijuana prescription. D.C.'s sliding scale approach to medical pot makes access to care much more viable for folks like Skipper.

The sliding scale principle hasn't yet caught on: across the 14 states that permit medical marijuana, there is presently no requirement that dispensaries make the drug accessible to indigent patients. However, Berkeley, Calif. voters may adopt a D.C.-style approach this November, and others should follow D.C.'s humane example as well. Medical marijuana shouldn't just be a privilege reserved for the well-to-do.

Join me and other Change.org readers in demanding that medical marijuana states make the drug available to those who need it, and not just those who can afford to pay.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Chris Cassidy writes on law, judicial nominations and the Constitution as they pertain to criminal justice reform and women's rights.

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