Dr. Christine Eady MannVerified account

When I am facing a decision like this, I always look at the science. What evidence do we have that we can use to inform our decisions. And with marijuana policy, we have a wealth of data. #twittercongress

And marijuana policy is interconnected to other policy issues, including the opioid crisis, universal healthcare coverage, and criminal justice reform. So we need to look at it holistically. #twittercongress

The opioid crisis and healthcare coverage issues are further intertwined with issues faced by chronic pain sufferers, those with mental health issues, and veterans who face mental and physical trauma from their service. #twittercongress

As a physician, I see aspects of all of these regularly. And my hands are tied. I know I could impact people with chronic pain, PTSD, and anxiety much better than marijuana than with the medications I have available right now. #twittercongress

So many patients are left to suffer needlessly when a perfectly safe options exits. But it is deemed illegal. #twittercongress

This status of illegality not only denies people of needed relief, but it tears lives and families apart, especially for people of color, because of the way our criminal justice system treats low level users. #twittercongress

Going back to the science: if you think a glass of wine with dinner is fine and should remain legal, then you should be fine with marijuana legalization. #twittercongress

Because marijuana use is as safe, if not safer than the use of alcohol. In practice, we treat so many people for alcohol related disease, yet it is legal and acceptable, while marijuana is not. Why? #twittercongress