Young cerebral palsy patient fights for legalized medical marijuana

Jacob Irving, a 21-year-old political communications major at LSU, is a remarkably confident young man—particularly for one so uniquely challenged. He was diagnosed at birth with a spastic form of cerebral palsy, and his muscles and movements are permanently impaired. Even the simplest of activities requires a Herculean effort to perform.

“It affects every single day of my life and every decision I make because I have to be wary of my physical limitations,” he says. To maintain some flexibility, Irving exercises and stretches for 40 hours each week, and his prescription drug intake is considerable.

Although he has managed his condition with extraordinary ease, Irving is quick to point out that he is more fortunate than most. “I am very lucky to have friends who are willing to help and take nothing in return,” he says. For the majority of people, however, life with a permanent movement disorder is even harder.

A member of the LSU chapter of Students for Sensible Drug Policy, he defended two bills that, at the time, were due to be considered by the Louisiana State Legislature—bills that would have legalized the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.

Acutely aware of the burdens of chronic health conditions, Irving has become an ardent defender of medical marijuana, an affordable, non-invasive treatment option for some patients. Irving says that for him, medical marijuana could be transformative.

“It is known to loosen the muscles, making the daily workouts less painful and far more efficient,” Irving says, “and it would allow me to take a break from physical therapy without my muscles’ retightening.”

Irving’s involvement with this issue led him in March to the State Capitol, where he testified on behalf of Louisiana Senate Bill 541. Sponsored by Sen. Fred Mills, R-New Iberia, SB 541 was the latest medical marijuana bill to be heard by the Legislature.

A former prosecutor and district attorney, Attorney General Buddy Caldwell insisted before the committee that medical marijuana legislation would likely lead users to harder drug use. “The best evidence,” he noted, “is the people who have used it [marijuana] over the years say it was a gateway drug.”

During the session, opponents like Michael Ranatza, executive director of the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association, admonished state officials to withhold their support of SB541 and instead petition the Food and Drug Administration to conduct more research on the medicinal applications of marijuana. Ranatza’s testimony appeared to influence several key committee members, notably Sen. Dan Claitor, R-Baton Rouge. “I am conflicted on all of the different things we are hearing here,” Claitor said at the time, but “I’m siding with law enforcement on this issue.”

Medical marijuana laws have been enacted in 21 states, but the issue has long been a non-starter in Louisiana. Surprisingly, Louisiana has laws on the books that allow for the use of marijuana for medical purposes, but state legislators have yet to fund or develop regulations to govern a program. The dynamics of the debate could be changing, however, as more physicians become vocal in their support of the medicinal benefits of cannabis.

Dr. Mark Alain Dery is the director of the Baton Rouge Medical Center’s Tulane T-Cell Clinic.

“As a physician, there is no question that marijuana is an effective and viable treatment option,” Dery says. Though he works principally with HIV patients, Dery says that medical marijuana could be used to treat a variety of symptoms, including chronic pain, nausea and the side effects associated with chemotherapy treatment.

“It’s ridiculous to oppose medical marijuana on scientific grounds,” Dery says. “The benefits are as clear as can be.”

Both Dery and Irving note that advancements in medical science have led to a dramatic shift in public opinion. According to a recent study by Public Policy Polling (PPP), for example, 65% of Louisianans support allowing seriously or terminally ill patients to consume marijuana for specified medical conditions.

Although Irving concedes that the prospects for imminent change are bleak, he maintains that his fight is worthwhile. To those with ethical objections to medical marijuana, Irving asks that they “imagine not having the ability to use a limb and knowing that there is medication right in front of you that can allow you to do that, but it’s denied for moral reasons.”

Irving plans to attend law school and work as an attorney in the legal effort to change Louisiana’s drug laws.

“Public policy ought to serve the public good and be guided by the facts,” he says.

For people suffering from debilitating medical conditions, this is much more than a policy debate. It’s important to remember, Irving says, that this struggle is not about recreational drug use. Irving believes it is about self-determination.

He says, “It’s about compassion and our moral responsibility to reduce suffering where and when we can.”