Schaumburg family still advocating improvement of state and federal medical marijuana laws

Celebrating her 20th birthday Sunday, Ashley Surin of Schaumburg has already had a profound influence on Illinois’ medical marijuana policy through a namesake 2018 law.

Her mother, Maureen, is also shaping this policy. She recently joined the Community Partnership Committee of the Cannabis Research Institute at the University of Illinois Chicago.

“I’ve been working for them since January,” Maureen said. “It’s not only rewarding me in my heart, but it’s educating me too.”

Ashley was diagnosed with leukemia at 2 years old. Her life became more challenging with epilepsy, autism and a concussion from a seizure. This was despite beating cancer 15 years ago.

Nine years ago, her parents discovered medicinal marijuana patches that stopped her seizures without side effects.

The couple advocated for the passage of Ashley’s Law in 2018, allowing her and other children in Illinois to receive prescribed medical marijuana in school.

Democratic state Rep. Bob Morgan from Deerfield is working with the family. He introduced a new bill they support allowing patients to buy medical marijuana at any Illinois dispensary.

Currently, there are only 55 medical marijuana dispensaries in the state. Some patients must drive for hours, even if they live near a recreational one.

Morgan said the CRI, which appointed Maureen, is one of several research groups he consults for best practices.

“Maureen's addition to the committee brings lived experience, having seen the profound health benefits of medical cannabis for the people in our lives who are most important to us,” he said. “Her advocacy is genuine and steadfast.”

Morgan believes medical marijuana laws have helped Ashley live a normal life that once seemed impossible. She spends time with friends, acts in local theater, prepares for Special Olympics track and works at IKEA.

Despite all they’re doing, the effect of Ashley’s Law is already significant, Morgan noted.

“Hundreds of children have benefited from Ashley’s Law,” he said. “I am hard pressed to think of a more incredible legacy than what Ashley has already achieved.”

Maureen is still working to change federal interstate commerce laws that would allow her to buy Ashley’s proven best medicine in other states since it stopped being manufactured in Illinois, though.

“She’s perfect, but we still need new laws,” Maureen said. “I feel it’s not a question of if it will happen but when. I’m trying to channel my patience but it’s hard.”

Morgan noted changing federal laws is beyond state policymakers’ reach.

Maureen’s online petition to change interstate laws for medical marijuana at Change.org/SaveAshley had collected 2,215 signatures as of Friday. Maureen is hopeful with enough signatures a federal legislator will take up the cause.