I was at the VA the other day and saw some vets talking about a database for medical marijuana patients. They were concerned, as one of them uses medical marijuana to treat his hepatitis B and PTSD. I disagreed. Not only would the thought of the pending lawsuits deter me. Invasion of privacy? Discrimination? A test case for the U.S. Supreme Court? Is it discriminatory? A lot of money to defend? Aside from the money from a cash-strapped state. But it would put veterans at risk of losing their benefits or health care.

I still believe that it was not, or is it our governor’s desire to be known as the governor who betrayed his veterans’ trust. As are those who failed to consider the veterans. Much like they don’t exist. The 670,000 veterans living and working and voting in Washington may feel differently. This may end up hurting their brothers and sisters in arms. Marijuana is still illegal under federal law. Much like heroin or cocaine. This has the potential of putting vets in harm’s way again. Many vets use medical marijuana to help alleviate or suppress their harmful thoughts. Relieve the pain without becoming zombies. This section can have an ill effect on our state’s vets. The signing of this bill without eliminating the registry? Nothing good can come from it. People are being shortsighted. Should this have an ill affect on the state vets, 670,000 of our brothers and sisters. As a vet I’m obligated to stand with those who would have stood with me. If you read this, governor, show Washington why you were elected. Govern. Be proud to stand with them.

John Rosselli

Disabled American vet

Darrington