DOC request three complete - Cannabis Defense Coalition

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Mar.26, 2009
Mrs. Karen Daniels,
My name
I am writing this appeal in response to the letter I received on
March 24, 2009, which denies my use of Medicinal Marijuana as treatment for my existing medical
conditions. The letter also fails to explain the reason for their findings to which I believe I des~rve an
explariation because I cannot think of any legitimate reason. The letter states that I can appeal this
decision onor before Feb'ruary 2, '2009,'but I only received a copy of it at a hearing on the i4 th of March.
The address, I notice, is incorrect, therefore the probable reason. In addition, my supervising officer
never informed me of the decision. In the distribution list, they Were appare
way to furnish me a copy of the decision based on my appeal is via email at
sent a copy. The best
In reference to current law (RCW 69.51A.)' the use of prescribed Medicinal Marijuana is lawful in the
State of Washington to treat my present medical condition. The current medications I have been
prescribed are Propoxyph.ene65MG, OXycodone 325MG, Prylosec, and Naproxen 500MG by my
attending physician.
My physican previously prescribed the medicinal marijua.ria as an alternative to
avoid the side effects of continual use of the aforementioned drugs and narcotics, stating that the
benefits are likely to outweigh the health risks often associated with continual drug ingestion. One side
effects I am currently experiencing is indigestion and heartburn (treated by the prylosec) because the
lining of my stomach is th!nning. I am also drowsy and have intermittent dizziness. I have no prior
occurrences of these symptoms in my medical history. I had no prior knowledge that this was even .an
alternative to all the. medications I am taking. Upon a visit to the physician, she asked if I would consider
this y~eatment, discussed the benefits and risks and thus I agreed to her treatment plan. If my phYSician,
a medical professional, recommends and prescribes this treatment plan, coupled with it being within
the limits of the laws of this state; why am I being denied what is beneficial to my overall"health and well
being I fail to understand this. Yes, I am currently in community custody, but that does not single me
out as a person that shoul.d not take advantage of the best medical treatment that can be provided to
meet a legitimate need .. Having committed a felony offense does not automatically dismiss me from
the category of h.uman being, yet I sense there is an attempt to prohibit me from acquiring some sense
of quality of life in the midst of already trying circumstances: This is not a game, but a serious quest for
. some equality under the law. In the form, DOC 14-053, Medicinal Use of Marijuana Verification, the first
paragraph states, "Supervision is designed to help the offenqer avoid those environments or situations
that lead to their criminal behavior." My "criminal behavior" was not influenced by the use of marijuana
or any otl'ier drug, fl'iey are totatlyunrel-ateetil'ierefm-;liOfe2fso-naoleexpll3ifatic:rrrSUPlfOl'ts-l"i"l1kin-g
"illicit" drug use as a contributing. factor in my past criminal behavior. Anger and lack of control fueled
that situation, nothing else. I was sentenced in accordance with the law, served my time in prison, and
am doing the best I can to complete the remaining requirements under superVision. More than tension
currently exists between my supervising officer and I for reasons I canno~ fathom. Perhaps they have
influenced the decision by their recommendations (if applicable) as another way to hinder my progress
versus assist me. I am only assuming, based on' our relationship, but truly believe there is some merit in
PDU-6655-3 000307