Wisconsin Radio Network: A Madison man says medical marijuana saved his eyesight
From Wisconsin Radio
Network
Health & Medicine Wednesday, December 12, 2001
http://www.wrn.com/
by Doug Cunningham
A Madison man says using medical marijuana to treat his glaucoma has saved his vision. Gary Storck watched as state lawmakers unveiled a proposed medical marijuana law at the state capitol, a sight he says he couldn't have seen had he not already been using medical marijuana for thirty years. Even though he could be arrested under state and federal law for using marijuana to treat his glaucoma Storck says it's worth it if he can help convince the legislature to make medical marijuana legal. "Generations of patients have died waiting for the government to do the right thing," Storck said, "What I'm hoping is today begins the process where Wisconsinites can look to the day where they don't have to worry about having their door kicked in for trying to maintain their health or get back a little quality of life." Storck says the city of Madison has the nation's oldest medical marijuana law so he finds some comfort in that. Storck insists he has no other alternative to treat his illness. "This is the only thing that allows me to function normally and have a quality of life," Storck said, "For thirty years now I've medicated to save my vision and I can still see. The glaucoma is effectively stopped through this medication." Storck says he medicates with marijuana nearly every day and it has paid off, maintaining his vision despite having had glaucoma for three decades. Storck says he uses marijuana as medication for his glaucoma and for chronic arthritis pain. He risks arrest under state and federal law and he says he thinks about that nearly every day. Storck says medical marijuana should be legal in Wisconsin, so he supports the proposed bill just introduced by Democrats Frank Boyle and Mark Pocan. Storck sees no other alternatives to risking arrest.
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