Phoenix, Arizona  May 22, 2014

A.V.A.C. is an organization of concerned citizens dedicated to helping save the lives of veterans fighting post traumatic stress. Astonishingly, an estimated 22 veterans lose this fight every day through suicide. On behalf of veterans in Arizona and around the nation, we have been working diligently over the last month in good faith negotiations with Senator Yee’s attorney Mike Liburdi, on an almost daily basis, to educate Senator Yee on our position. These negotiations, while at times difficult, have resulted in Senator Yee’s commitment to support the implementation of medical marijuana research investigating the plants safety and efficacy against treatment-resistant post traumatic stress.

Over the course of our discussions, Mr. Liburdi stated in no uncertain terms that Sen. Yee is, and has been a supporter of The University of Arizona’s research study. According to Mr. Liburdi, Sen. Yee “has begun building a bipartisan coalition to help draft and support legislation”. This legislation would be introduced in the 2015 session. A.V.A.C. has been assured by Mr. Liburdi that Sen. Yee will be issuing a public statement acknowledging cannabis as a potentially safer alternative to current treatment methods. “We must move forward together with crafting legislation that benefits veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress and funds research, and then getting it passed as quickly as possible” stated Liburdi on behalf of Sen. Yee to A.V.A.C.

Our Committee believes we can now begin working with Senator Yee toward our mutual objective in earnest. As such, as a demonstration of our sincere agreement to work with Senator Yee, we will be formally withdrawing our recall petition from the Arizona Secretary of State’s office. The press should expect a pre-approved public statement from Sen. Yee to follow shortly thereafter.