Roys Releases Video Outlining Benefits to Legalizing Cannabis in Wisconsin
Roys’ video tells the story of a man, Heath Rush, who became addicted to opioids while experiencing back pain due to injury.
MADISON, WI — Today, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Kelda Roys released a video highlighting the positive impacts that legalization of cannabis for medical and adult recreational use can have in Wisconsin.
Roys’ video tells the story of a man, Heath Rush, who became addicted to opioids while experiencing back pain due to injury. Heath states that he feels he, “could have gotten through 90% of the back-pain without a single opiate if I just had medical-grade marijuana.”
A transcript of the video has been provided at the end of this release.
Kelda Roys released the following statement:
“Adults should be free to use marijuana without fear of prosecution. We need to stop using our criminal justice resources to prosecute and incarcerate people for cannabis use. We can earn revenue, improve Wisconsin’s agricultural economy, and help stop unequal enforcement that drives racial disparities in our criminal justice system. It’s time to legalize cannabis for recreational and medicinal use, and grow Wisconsin’s economy.”
To read more on Kelda’s plans to legalize cannabis, click here.
“It’s Time to Legalize Marijuana” Transcript:
Heath: I was an opera singer for several years… There was this one time where I had to jump off stage, and it made me blow a disc in my back. I did not have health insurance at the time – I couldn’t really go to the doctor and have a surgery at the time, so I had to medicate it.
The doctors put me on Vicodin. I begged them for an MRI. Finally, when they did it (the MRI) it turned out I did need surgery on my back. I got to where I could not get the opiate out of my system. I could not go more than two, three hours without popping a couple pills.
Kelda Roys: I’m Kelda Roys and I’m running for governor of Wisconsin. It’s time for our state to legalize cannabis, both for medicinal purposes and for adult recreational uses. Thousands of Wisconsinites are suffering from chronic pain from muscle spasms. Cannabis can help alleviate those symptoms, relieve their suffering, and it’s often safer than alternatives like opioids.
Secondly, we’ve got a huge criminal justice problem in our state. We incarcerate too many people and we have some of the worst racial disparities in the nation. Now, legalizing cannabis isn’t going to solve our criminal justice problems, but it is certainly a step in the right direction.
Finally, legalizing cannabis can have a great impact on our economy. Think of all the family farmers in Wisconsin who are struggling to make ends meet. A cash crop like industrial hemp or cannabis can help them do that. Finally, the states that have legalized cannabis have seen an influx of hundreds of millions of dollars in new tax revenue. We can put that revenue to great use in Wisconsin on our schools, our roads, our healthcare system. I’m Kelda Roys, and it’s time to legalize cannabis in our state.
Kelda Roys, 39, is a small business owner, attorney, former state representative, and past head of NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin, who has been standing up for women and families throughout her career. In the Assembly, she stood out as an influential and effective lawmaker, delivering results for working families and helping lead the opposition to Governor Scott Walker’s divisive agenda. As the parent and stepparent of four girls, Roys will fight for paid family leave, affordable childcare, student debt relief, great schools, and healthcare for all. In a year in which Wisconsin voters are ready for change, Kelda Roys provides the clearest contrast to Scott Walker.
Kelda for Governor
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
More about the Legalizing of Marijuana
- How Delta-8 Impacts Marijuana Debate in Wisconsin - Richelle Wilson - Jun 18th, 2024
- Milwaukee Officials Praise Rescheduling of Cannabis by Biden - Isiah Holmes - May 20th, 2024
- What Will Wisconsin Do Now That Feds Are Moving to Ease Marijuana Restrictions? - Rich Kremer - May 2nd, 2024
- A Better Wisconsin Together Renews Call for Cannabis Legalization - A Better Wisconsin Together - Apr 20th, 2024
- Republicans’ Medical Marijuana Bill Is Likely Dead - Baylor Spears - Feb 18th, 2024
- The State of Politics: Why GOP Divided on Medical Marijuana - Steven Walters - Jan 15th, 2024
- Bill Decriminalizes Marijuana Possession Under 14 Grams - Rich Kremer - Jan 15th, 2024
- GOP Proposal Supports Small, State-Run Medical Marijuana Program - Anya van Wagtendonk - Jan 8th, 2024
- Senate Democratic Leader Reacts to Republican Medical Marijuana Proposal - Dianne Hesselbein - Jan 8th, 2024
- Democrats Push Again to Legalize Marijuana - Erik Gunn - Sep 25th, 2023
Read more about Legalizing of Marijuana here
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by State Sen. Kelda Roys
Roys Endorsed by Elected Officials across Southeastern Wisconsin
Aug 10th, 2018 by State Sen. Kelda Roys"I’m thrilled to have earned the endorsements of so many local elected officials throughout our great state."
I have never ever been a “single issue voter” … about ANYTHING. But then again, there has never been an issue that totally dominates life like my 70+ year old wife’s struggles with a central nervous system disorder and chronic/incessant/intractable pain. It stems from an horrendous accidental fall 10 years ago, followed by 5 spine surgeries and has gotten progressively worse. I’m her 24/7/365 caregiver. I coordinate everything related to the “management” of her pain and we have done and tried every med (opioids and others), procedure, surgery, therapy (etc) that has been suggested, or prescribed, or ordered by her several physicians. The trip to Mayo Clinic didn’t do it, either.
What have we NOT been able to try, because we live in Wisconsin? Prescribed medical marijuana, despite the advocacy of numerous research physicians specializing in chronic pain. Going forward, I will vote only for advocates of (carefully regulated and monitored) medical marijuana; I’m not talking about laws like Michigan’s which has been characterized by the leading chronic pain researcher at U of Michigan as “for potheads, written by pothead interests”.
Other states are seeing the light. We are tempted to a “medical marijuana allowed” state, away from friends and family. That might not turn out to be the answer, but it very possibly could be significantly beneficial; how would we know without trying it?. Prescribed medical marijuana, from trained and licensed physicans, could possibly be the last resort for many, short of suicide. And if you think suicide is not a considered option for chronic pain sufferers, check out the increasing rate of older Americans taking their own lives.
Kelda Roy’s will make a great Governor of Wisconsin.And I hope she wins! And by her side I know William DavisIII would be the perfect lieutenant Governor! And I hope he wins! Than we the citizens of Wisconsin, Will be in the best of hands.With both of them running Wisconsin together! There’s no stopping them, from helping the middle class, to the very poor.And helping everyone’s needs!
I think what I just wrote should be sent to all the people of Wisconsin.Because they the people, Don’t know who William DavisIII Is.And They need to find out what kind of man he is.And what he all stands for! Because he is the best man for the job! And he’s not like your average politian.That wants money! He’s not asking anyone for a penny! He just wants your vote!