There is a large and growing body of evidence of marijuana's value for patients suffering from such diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis and AIDS — often providing patients relief when all other medications have failed.

It has the support of many prominent organizations, including the Minnesota Nurses Association and the Minnesota Public Health Association, as well as the endorsement of more than 2,700 Minnesota medical professionals.

There is bipartisan support for medical marijuana in the Legislature. Steve Sviggum, former House Speaker and now commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, was a co-sponsor and one of the bill's most prominent supporters.

Finally, the concerns over medical marijuana's effect on the "health and public safety" of Minnesota have not been borne out in the other medical marijuana states, nor have there have been moves from either law enforcement or legislatures to repeal these laws in the states that have enacted them.

This issue is about one thing and one thing only — removing the threat of arrest and jail for seriously ill patients who use this medicine with their doctor's recommendation. This compassionate law would protect some of the most vulnerable members of our community, and we will be working hard to see it passed when the Legislature reconvenes.

Neal Levine, director, Minnesotans for Compassionate Care