Medical Marijuana: New Hampshire Bill Narrowly Defeated
A bill that would have allowed ill New Hampshire residents to use medical marijuana was narrowly defeated Wednesday. The bill, HB 774, was killed on a 186-177 vote in the House.
Supporters of the bill argued that marijuana can be the only drug that works for patients with some conditions. Rep. Evelyn Merrick (D-Lancaster), who has suffered from cancer, said the treatments can be worse than the disease. "How many others must we allow to suffer needlessly?" she asked her colleagues.
But Rep. Joseph Miller (D-Durham), a retired doctor, and Rep. William Butynski (D-Hinsdale) scoffed at marijuana as medicine. "There is no such thing as medical marijuana," said Butynsk, who also worried aloud about allowing people to grow it.
Real medicine is injected, taken in pill form, or sprayed under the tongue -- not smoked -- said Miller. Besides, he added, it isn't needed. "We have ample therapeutic equivalents legally available," he said.
But while the arguments of opponents prevailed this year, chances are good that proponents of cannabis as medical will be back next year. Given the close vote this year and polling showing two-thirds support for medical marijuana in the state, the prospects are promising, said Stuart Cooper of the New Hampshire Marijuana Policy Initiative.
"This is sensible, compassionate legislation that protects our most vulnerable citizens," Cooper said in a statement after the vote. "But the close vote proves that it's only a matter of time before our elected officials give their constituents what they've asked for: an effective medical marijuana law that ensures nobody gets arrested just for battling life-threatening conditions."
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redditsensible reform
Comment posted by Anonymous on Thu, 10/18/2007 - 2:03pmOne of the greatest problems facing marijuana reform is people who view legalization as an easier way to get their high. Countless teenagers and "potheads" make comments like the ones above only furthering reasons to keep it a controlled substance. I am a believer in the legalization of marijuana especially medical marijuana; many will tell you that it is not a legitimate medicine. "Real medicine is injected, taken in pill form, or sprayed under the tongue -- not smoked" (Miller). People do not trust of the pharmaceutical industry with its high prices, over medication, and medicines that are much more addicting than marijuana and have more serious side affects. Medical Marijuana puts the power of healing back into the hands of people.
I am a college student and i am a supporter of marijuana reform, however i take action in a more reasonable method. If you are a supporter who wants to see change, than sign a petition send a letter to your congressmen or representative, because the biggest problem in marijuana reform are marijuana users.
thank you
Comment posted by Anonymous on Thu, 04/09/2009 - 6:27pmyou are absolutely right people like the one you mentioned are exactly why it has not been legalized. we are trying to allow this drug to be used sensibly not for the likes of people who look at as a way to get "high". I would not want just anyone to use it and their are other ways to use it than smoking, It can be put into a vaporizer, pill form, and in food. Not to mention it is a lot safer and less addictive than say methodone, oxycontin or morphine. If done properly, it could be a very beneficial drug for many who are sick
VOTE RON PAUL AMERICA'S GREATEST SUPPORTER OF LEGALIZED MARIJUAN
Comment posted by Anonymous on Tue, 11/20/2007 - 12:31amhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHS_y94H1Dk
Ron Paul will stop all federal raids on the use of medical marijuana
wow
Comment posted by Anonymous on Tue, 04/07/2009 - 1:42amnew hampshire grow up and learn to follow the movement
legalize
Comment posted by Anonymous on Fri, 04/24/2009 - 2:11pmI have severe Ra, Fybro, Oa, etc. I've taken a lot of legal drugs that have given me sores, bruises, infections, and in 1 case, almost killed me. Marijuana is the only drug that does not have harmful, painful side effects. Those who oppose legalization, have no clue. I've smoked for 30 yrs and have never gone on to other illegal drugs. God put it on the earth for a reason.Pharmicutial companies would rather you take expensive manufactured drugs that have side effects that range from Skin ulcers to heart problems, and more. The almighty dollar is the driving factor .
Legalize
Comment posted by jimmy on Thu, 06/25/2009 - 10:15pmI know it's a tired argument but I still cannot fathom how people disapprove of legalizing marijuana because folks will use it to "get high" while, at the same time, they are okay with alcoholic beverages used... well, used by people to "get high."
Stinks of hypocrisy and always has.
Stupid hemp had to cause the
Comment posted by Anonymous on Fri, 11/13/2009 - 11:12amStupid hemp had to cause the paper industry to make it illegal in the first place. If the four fathers of our country could grow and smoke marijuana why can't we? Not just for medical use, but recreational as well. Drinking causes so many deaths in this country every year on college campuses and from drunk drivers all over the country. I've never heard of someone O.D.ing on marijuana, if it happens I'd sure like to hear about that one. I'm sick of politicians lobbying for it to stay illegal because it is a "gateway" drug. That is b.s. in my opinion. Plus if it were legalized the amount of crime from transporting it would shoot down.
Legalize it
Comment posted by Anonymous on Fri, 03/30/2007 - 2:43amLegalize it