Three American police officers raided the hospital room of a 69-year-old terminally ill man in Kansas, confiscating his supply of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) oil, which he used to alleviate the pain and symptoms of his cancer. The man was ordered to appear in court next month.
On December 23rd, 69-year-old Greg Burtz became the target of police at the Hayes Medical Center in the United States. Police discovered marijuana products in his room and on January 2nd, he was ordered to appear in court despite being severely ill and unable to move or get out of bed.
Kansas is one of only three U.S. states where medical marijuana is illegal. According to The Kansas City Star, Burtz stated that his doctor advised him to use any necessary measures to alleviate his pain.
It is believed that another staff member blew the whistle on Burtz, which led to the subsequent raid. Three police officers appeared at Hayes Medical Center and seized Burtz's e-cigarette and tetrahydrocannabinol paste.
According to data from the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), medical marijuana is illegal in Kansas, despite 68% of state residents supporting its approval for medical use. Idaho and Nebraska also prohibit this practice.
Burtz is in the final stage of cancer, which is terminal and cannot be operated on. He told The Wichita Eagle that he spends most of his time lying in a hospital bed and cannot get up without assistance.
He has been using e-cigarettes and consuming tetrahydrocannabinol tincture and bread to alleviate his symptoms since being hospitalized approximately three weeks ago.
The doctor advised him to choose any palliative measure that would make him feel better, as there is no known medical cure or way to slow down cancer.
Finally, a hospital staff member discovered that he was using an electronic cigarette and reported him. The police were then dispatched to his room.
The police informed Mr. Berts that his electronic cigarette could potentially pose a fire hazard in the room due to the presence of oxygen.
In many e-cigarette devices, a heating element powered by an inhalation-activated battery is used to vaporize e-liquid or oil for inhalation.
Over the past year, a flaw has emerged that has caused some patients to inadvertently burn themselves while breathing through a nasal tube after inhaling nicotine.
However, Bretz clarified that he did not require additional oxygen.
He added that the three policemen insisted on confiscating his tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) paste, but he objected to this because his e-cigarette oil contained very little THC.
Bates will also attempt to contact the prosecutor and inquire if his court appearance can be postponed.
Medical marijuana is legal in the other 47 states and the District of Columbia in the United States.
After the midterm election passed legislation, 21 states now have authorized the recreational and medical use of marijuana, including Missouri and Maryland.
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