Last updated on: 3/15/2012 | Author: ProCon.org

Elvy Musikka Biography

Title:
Medical Marijuana Patient in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Investigational New Drug (IND) Program
Position:
Pro to the question "Should Marijuana Be a Medical Option?"
Reasoning:

“I am patient no. 3 of 8 who today currently receives medical marijuana through the federal government of the United States…

By 1991, I am aware of at least 50 patients who through extensive medical records, reputable doctors, and sometimes through courts -- such as in my case -- were able to convince all three drug-related agencies, FDA, DEA, and NIDA, that for us, marijuana isn’t just medicine, it is the most efficient, reliable and safest part of our treatment and sometimes it is our only treatment.”

Letter to President Bill Clinton, Jan. 13, 1997
Involvement and Affiliations:
  • Medical marijuana patient, US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Investigational New Drug (IND) Program, Oct. 17, 1988-present
  • Medical marijuana activist and speaker
  • Member of the Board, Vote Power
  • Singer and musician
Education:
  • None found
Other:
  • Ms. Musikka suffers from glaucoma. On Oct. 17, 1988, she became the third participant (and first woman) in the IND program.
  • Born on Aug. 10. 1939
  • Born with congenital cataracts, had several childhood eye surgeries, and developed glaumcoma in her 30s, which led to blindness in one eye.
Quoted in:
  1. Who Are the Patients Receiving Medical Marijuana through the Federal Government's Compassionate IND Program?
  2. Should Marijuana Be a Medical Option?
  3. Is Marijuana an Effective Treatment for Glaucoma?