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| House Poised to Approve Medical Marijuana |
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Posted by FoM on March 15, 2002 at 16:41:09 PT By Ross Sneyd, Associated Press Source: Associated Press 
Vermonters suffering from debilitating diseases, such as cancer or AIDS, could treat some of the symptoms with marijuana under a bill that won final approval in the House on Friday. Although the House stopped short of legalizing marijuana, it did decide on an 82-59 roll-call vote to exempt from prosecution anyone who uses the drug after obtaining a certificate from a doctor authorizing its use. ''I do not condone the recreational use of marijuana,'' Rep. Allen Palmer, R-Pownal, said after a second day of sometimes emotional debate. ''I'm voting for this bill because I think it's going to do good for a few people who really need it.'' The bill's prospects in the Senate are uncertain, even though a number of influential senators have said they were open to the idea of medical marijuana. Gov. Howard Dean, who strongly opposes it, has suggested he would pressure some of his allies in the Senate to block the bill. Dean has hinted that he would veto the proposal if it reached him. A number of lawmakers who otherwise frequently vote against the Democratic governor fought hard but unsuccessfully to kill the bill in the House. ''What kind of message is this we're sending to our children and, as far as that goes, to the United States?'' said Rep. Loren Shaw, R-Derby. ''We're lawmakers and we're supposed to be making the law, not breaking the law. And here we are breaking federal law.'' The proposal would permit people with medical certificates to maintain a supply of no more than three mature plants, four immature plants or three ounces of usable marijuana. People suffering from cancer, glaucoma, AIDS or diseases that cause wasting syndrome, severe pain or nausea, seizures, or persistent muscle spasms would be eligible to get a medical certificate from a physician declaring that marijuana would relieve the symptoms. Those marijuana users would be exempt from criminal and civil penalties and physicians issuing certificates would be protected against state sanctions. There was widespread concern that, although the intent of the bill was to help people who are seriously ill, enacting the proposal was an attempt to decriminalize marijuana altogether. ''This is not just for medical use,'' said Rep. Henry Gray, R-Barre. ''I think they want this bill passed so they can use it for recreational purposes. There are some in this House or some in this area who want pot on every table.'' Proponents denied that was their intent and the House did agree to conduct a study about how the use of medical marijuana helped those who used it and whether it caused more illegal drug use. And lawmakers also agreed to make the law effective only through 2006. Supporters of allowing the law to expire in four years said by that time the U.S. Food and Drug Administration might authorize medical marijuana and the Vermont law may not be necessary. Complete Title: House Poised to Approve Medical Marijuana; Senate Prospects Uncertain Source: Associated Press Related Articles & Web Sites: Marijuana Policy Project Medical Marijuana Information Links House To Take Up Medical Marijuana Bill Panel Passes Medical Marijuana Bill Medicinal Marijuana Bill Considered Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help |
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| Comment #1 posted by Shishaldin on March 15, 2002 at 18:12:31 PT |
| We ALWAYS dominate these polls! from www.excite.com: Are you for or against the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes? I’m for the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes 79% => 19943 votes I’m against the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes 16% => 4075 votes Not sure 4% => 1127 votes Current vote tally: 25145 peace and strength, Shishaldin [ Post Comment ] |
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