WHEREAS, there are a large number of people within the United States of America who experience untreated chronic pain on a daily basis; and
WHEREAS, the only relief available for many of these people is in the form of medication only available only by prescription; and
WHEREAS, due to legislation, fear of prosecution, or stigma attached to the use of pain medication, most doctors refuse to prescribe pain medication that would enable their patients to live a useful life; and
WHEREAS, many chronic pain sufferers, due to lack of insurance and/or lack of funds, are unable to visit a doctor;
We, the undersigned, demand that pain medications containing hydrocodone (such as Vicodin) be removed from the FDA's Controlled Substance List and be made available over-the-counter.