Minnesota Nurses Welcome Cannabis Compromise to Help Thousands of Patients

Nurses continue to push for solution to help chronic conditions in future

   

 
(St. Paul) – May 15, 2014 – Minnesota Nurses support the hard work by the Governor, lawmakers, and patient advocates to help thousands of Minnesotans who suffer from debilitating conditions. The compromise that was agreed to by Senate and House sponsors as well as the Governor's office will allow the terminally sick and dying to improve their conditions and their quality of life.

"Nurses care for all patients, including those we never see" said Charlotte Zabawa, RN, "and we can't ignore the medical and scientific evidence that shows that medical cannabis can bring them comfort and relief to their terrible conditions." 

The compromise will allow a Minnesota-licensed healthcare practitioner, including an Advanced Practice Nurse to certify a patient for treatment. The patient will be able to enter a registry that will allow them to receive medical cannabis from one of 8 state facilities.

"This compromise will help patients with cancer, chronic pain, ALS, and seizures to improve the quality of their lives," Zabawa said.  "There are thousands more patients who also need treatment. Lawmakers must re-visit this program and improve it going forward."

The union of 20,000 Registered Nurses thanks lawmakers who came together to hear the plight of patients and their families who hoped to benefit from medical cannabis in Minnesota. Minnesota Nurses will continue to advocate for a solution that helps patients with other chronic conditions and support the state task force to assess medical cannabis therapeutic research and its impact to patients in the state.

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