Maine Medical Marijuana Patients Excluded from Transplant Lists

Garry Godfrey of Maine has a serious hereditary condition called Alport Syndrome. He requires a kidney transplant due to kidney failure as a result of the progression of his medical condition. Alport syndrome can cause kidney failure, nausea, anxiety and excruciating pain.

Godfrey was on the kidney transplant list at Maine Medical Center since 2003, according to The Daily Caller. In 2010, the medical center changed its policy. The new policy excludes medical marijuana patients from being eligible for a transplant procedure.

Godfrey is working hard to advocate for a bill in the Maine legislature to protect transplant patients who are also medical marijuana patients. He wants patients like himself to have an equal opportunity to receive a transplant, regardless of their choice of medicine.

Godfrey said, “I’ve tried so many pharmaceuticals and none of them worked, but the medical cannabis does. It helps me function. It helps me take care of my kids.”

Godfrey’s bill is moving through the legislative process, but dates for scheduled hearings/votes regarding the legislation have not been announced.