cannabisnews.com: MMJ Law Heads To Vermont House for Vote





MMJ Law Heads To Vermont House for Vote
Posted by CN Staff on May 06, 2004 at 08:08:09 PT
By John Zicconi, Vermont Press Bureau 
Source: Rutland Herald 
Montpelier -- A bill decriminalizing marijuana for medical use appears headed to the House floor for a vote. The House Health and Welfare Committee on Wednesday voted, 8-3, to allow people suffering with cancer, AIDS and multiple sclerosis to use marijuana to relieve "severe, persistent and intractable symptoms" like pain and nausea.
The vote was bipartisan as three Republicans and five Democrats supported the measure, which is much more restrictive than a medical marijuana bill that passed the Senate last year. The House bill limits marijuana use to the treatment of just these three diseases, and then only allows it after "reasonable efforts" to use other drugs have been found to be unsuccessful. The Senate proposal allows the drug to be used to treat all medical conditions that involve severe pain, severe nausea, dangerous weight loss or seizures. Despite the House proposal's limiting provisions, supporters of decriminalizing the illegal drug to provide medical relief for suffering Vermonters hailed the committee's vote. "There is a lot of compromise in there," said Rep. Kincaid Connell, D-Warren, a committee member. "I supported much more than what is there. But that does not diminish this in my mind. This is a strong statement for some Vermonters who could use marijuana to increase the quality of their lives." Rep. David Zuckerman, P-Burlington, one of medical marijuana's most ardent supporters, said he was disappointed the committee limited marijuana use to just three diseases. But he was thrilled that a vote on the controversial issue appears headed to the House floor, where supporters of expanded use will likely attempt to amend the bill. "This version is extremely limiting," Zuckerman said. "But it's important it gets to the floor for a vote. This issue is important to Vermonters. It would be great to pass a bill that gets people what they need." The Douglas administration does not support medical marijuana use. However, Jason Gibbs, the governor's spokesman, praised the House committee for taking the debate "in the right direction" by scaling back the Senate proposal. Gibbs, however, would not say if the governor would sign the House bill if it reached his desk. "It is too early in the process to say definitively, but the governor does have concerns," Gibbs said. "He remains concerned about any bill that would violate federal law and potentially send the wrong message to our youth." House committee members who voted against the bill shared the governor's hesitation. "All of us want to be compassionate, but, at the same time, I'm a person who believes in the rule of law," said Linda Kirker, R-Essex Junction, who voted against the proposal. "Marijuana is an illegal drug," she said. "If we, as lawmakers, don't respect federal law, what can we expect from our constituents as far as respecting state law? We have to set an example." Nine states, including Maine, defy federal law and allow the medical use of marijuana. A recent poll concluded that 71 percent of likely Vermont voters support medical marijuana use. Lawmakers believe about 100 people will qualify for marijuana use. The House bill requires a doctor to certify that a patient has one of the qualifying diseases, and the patient must submit an application that includes medical records to the Department of Public Safety. Law enforcement officials there will then grant a marijuana registration card to those who qualify. Qualified patients or their registered caregivers can grow three marijuana plants in a locked room, but only one can be mature. They can also possess two ounces of "usable" marijuana. Patients who use the drug, their registered caregivers and doctors that certify a patient's disease will be immune from criminal prosecution. Physicians also will be protected against any action that threatens either their medical license or hospital privileges. Patient advocates liked these protections, but said they would prefer the program be administered by the Department of Health rather than the Department of Public Safety. "The HIV community will be happy to see this bill come out," said Virginia Renfrew, spokeswoman for the HIV Public Policy Project. "But we would have preferred to see it stay with the Department of Health. They are used to dealing with these kinds of things." Complete Title: Medical Marijuana Law Heads To Vermont House for Vote Source: Rutland Herald (VT)Author: John Zicconi, Vermont Press Bureau Published: May 6, 2004Copyright: 2004 Rutland HeraldContact: info rutlandherald.comWebsite: http://www.rutlandherald.com/Related Articles & Web Sites:Marijuana Policy Projecthttp://www.mpp.org/Transcript: Hearing On Medical Marijuanahttp://freedomtoexhale.com/hearing.htmHouse Panel Passes Revised Marijuana Bill http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread18805.shtmlHouse May Tighten Rules on Medical Marijuanahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread18651.shtml
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Comment #1 posted by Petard on May 06, 2004 at 08:30:37 PT
Ms. Kirker, Soon-to-be Former Representative,
Asks, "If we, as lawmakers, don't respect federal law, what can we expect from our constituents as far as respecting state law? We have to set an example." Well, Ms. Kirker, how can we, as constituents, voters, citizens, be expected to respect any part of the process, much less the law itself, if we as human beings are being disrespected and disregarded, including our will regarding cannabis? Why don't you do your JOB which is to support the will of the people, the people that polls indicate overwhelming support full legalization of cannabis for medical purposes? That is what your chosen profession is, to do the WILL OF THE PEOPLE, not your own. If the people of Vermont wish to publicly hang minor traffic violators at noon everyday on the local courthouse lawn for instance, it is your job to support that even if it goes against your personal value system. This is the job you CHOSE to undertake afterall, to forego your own desires and fulfill the legislative desires of your constituents.
 
So, Ms. Kirker, set a correct example for everyone, children included, and do your job, represent the will of the people who elected you! Set an example, actually become a valid representative of the people who allow you to hold office. That might gain yourself, and your state, and it's laws, a measure of respect.
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