'They want Mommy to get better'

When the Entyvio injections began in October to treat ulcerative colitis, the waiver Katie Krug signed stated the pharmaceutical may cause serious brain infection that may lead to death.

Very comforting, the 32-year-old Grimes, Iowa, woman said.

Its her fourth medication since she was diagnosis three-and-a-half years ago with the chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Remicade, Humira and Lialda each worked for a few months to stop flare ups but ultimately failed as her body tricked her into working up a resistance.

When the last one failed, an ulcer landed her in a hospital last summer hooked up to large doses of the potent steroid Prednisone.

This is what legislators dont understand, Krug said. These are very strong medications with serious side effects. No ones ever died from cannabis.

Because medical marijuana isnt legal in Iowa, Krug said shes running out of treatment options.

The FDA approved Entyvio in May, and Krug said its the last medication option available to her. If it doesnt work, shell have to undergo surgery to have her colon removed.

Similar to Crohns, ulcerative colitis affects 620,000 Americans. Its a qualifying condition in 23 states that legalized cannabis for medical use, including Illinois.

Krug has two daughters, ages 8 and 10, but she doesnt have to explain to them why she wants to use marijuana.

All they know is that its medicine, and they want Mommy to get better, she said.

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'They want Mommy to get better'