I am in favor of compassion centers for patients in the medical marijuana program. I am a licensed patient suffering from multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, chronic anxiety and depression. I am 33 and a married mother of two young children. During the last year I have learned to maintain control of my life that these devastating illnesses disturb daily. I can enjoy important moments, like partaking in family activities. I help others, and educate my children with proper morals.

My main concern is safely obtaining the medicine that helps me regain control. People are suffering needlessly. I grew up believing in compassion for fellow citizens. Compassion centers would lessen crime rates by allowing us to obtain medicine legally. Criminal activity would be separated from medical use.

Having a compassion center would relieve me of fears of being mugged, beaten, raped or killed. I should have choices where to obtain my medicine, and the street shouldn’t be the answer! Research proves marijuana helps many illnesses and symptoms. Society should have more sympathy for individuals’ needs.

One of our first lessons is to treat others as you want to be treated. How would you feel in my shoes? If your daughter was sick, would you rather she faced getting beaten and raped, or would you rather she had a safe way to receive proper care?

KELLY POWERS

Warwick