Autumn 2005
O'Shaughnessy's
Journal of the California Cannabis Research Medical
Group
|
Steve McWilliams Says Goodbye
"I know why the United States government hates me--I
am their enemy. But why do they hate you?" --Sitting Bull
|
San Diego activist Steve McWilliams intentially overdosed on pain
pills July 11, 2005. A former cowboy from Colorado, Steve wrote in
a farewell note that he had expected protection as a medical cannabis
user under California law.
He was arrested by the DEA in October 2002 for cultivating a small
side-yard garden for a half dozen patrons of the “Shelter From
the Storm” Coffeehouse, which he ran with partner Barbara McKenzie.
He pled guilty to cultivation of 25 plants and was sentenced to six
months, pending appeal. He was released on bail —but denied
the right to medicate with marijuana.
Barbara wrote to their friends:
“
Over the past year, both of our health conditions declined significantly.
Steve’s headaches not only became a daily occurrence, but increased
in severity, dominated by hours of sleep due to the pharmaceutical
medications that only minimized the pain, very rarely was he free of
a headache. The nausea & vomiting became the norm, yet Steve
pushed on.
“
His doctor worked hard to help, fighting for the right to use Marinol
for pain, despite its high cost. After the loss of our Marinol for
two months in early 2004, she worked with the chief pharmacist to educate
him about cannabis and Marinol and the Marinol was restarted. Steve’s
latest Marinol bill was close to $16,000
“ By early spring the pain/functioning level of our pre-cannabis
days returned. Steve spent much of his time asleep or lying on his
side
watching TV. Walking the dogs and working in our flower garden
were his only activities. He continued to go to City Council. His last
visit was on June 28, 2005, to ask the City Council to help implement the
collective aspect of the guidelines and help secure a property
for such. I will continue to push on that front.”
The denial of cannabis —and in some cases Marinol— to
individuals caught up in the criminal justice system is punitive
and inhumane.