Paul Callicoat, M.D.

I've served as an interventional cardiologist in southwest Missouri for 27 years. In that time, I've seen and met hundreds of patients suffering from life-changing terminal and chronic illnesses. I've seen patients become addicted to opioid painkillers and suffer needlessly because of their addiction. This is why I support medical marijuana as a treatment option.

In November, Missourians will have the opportunity to decide whether our state will become the 31st to allow medical marijuana to be considered as a treatment option by patients and their doctors, including many of those diagnosed with cancer and other debilitating illnesses. There is a growing body of clinical evidence that shows medical marijuana is a helpful medicinal option to opioids for many of those patients suffering from the painful side effects of cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and other debilitating diseases.

In a letter to the editor on Sept. 2, Springfield personal injury attorney Brad Bradshaw purported to "set the record straight" on the medical marijuana ballot initiatives Missourians will vote on in November. The only thing that came through clearly was his self-servedness. Mr. Bradshaw has invested millions of his own money into his own effort that serves namely one person: himself. No doubt he is hoping to reap a handsome return on his investment.

His attacks are meant to disguise his impractical proposal. I want to make clear that Amendment 3 will not lead to a cure in cancer, as Mr. Bradshaw disingenuously tries to make us believe. In fact, its estimated $66 million in revenue is a trivial drop in the bucket compared to our modern-day investments in cancer research and treatment. His proposed "cancer institute" will be funded by your tax dollars but without your or the rest of the public's well-being in mind. That is because how the money is spent is decided by Mr. Bradshaw and the board members he directly appoints. It will not be subject to citizen review. It will not be subject to MOMA Board certification. It will not result in further investments to improve the quality of life for cancer patients or make headway on future cures.

Amendment 2 is supported first and foremost by patients because it provides a safe, compassionate and regulated way forward to make Missouri the 31st state to allow doctors to prescribe medical marijuana to their patients suffering from serious and debilitating illnesses. It puts the focus of this conversation back on where it should always be: patients first, not millionaires seeking their own self-interest. Amendment 2 would let doctors and patients discuss their health care options and allow them to decide, under supervision, if medical marijuana is an appropriate medical option. In addition, the revenue generated from the 4 percent sales tax would be dedicated to increase funding for veterans services in the state.

As a doctor for over three decades, I find it shameful and dishonest to use any disease as a way to gain voters' sympathy and approval, but particularly a disease like cancer that has claimed so many lives and is the source of so much pain and suffering. This is why I have chosen to speak out against these mistruths.

I hope that when Missourians go to vote on November 6, they vote "Yes on Amendment 2" because it will help real people, real patients and families get the compassionate care they need and deserve.

Paul Callicoat is a retired interventional cardiologist who worked in southwest Missouri for over 20 years.