Medical Marijuana: Bills Introduced in Minnesota, Moving in New Mexico
Minnesota senators introduced a bill last Monday to allow terminal and chronically ill patients to use marijuana without fear of state prosecution. Meanwhile, a New Mexico bill that has made it to the brink of passage in the last two years is moving again.
In Minnesota, SF345 is sponsored by state Sen. Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing), who told reporters he warmed to the idea after his father died of cancer two years ago after suffering months of intense pain. "We're talking about quality of life issues," said Murphy. "This isn't for everybody. This is another tool in the doctor's toolbox, if the patient feels it's appropriate and they're willing to give it a try."
Under the bill, anyone suffering from a "chronic or debilitating disease" would be able to qualify for a registration card. Registered patients or caregivers could possess up to 12 plants or 2.5 ounces of marijuana. Similar bills have been introduced the past two years in Minnesota, but have gone nowhere.
It's a slightly different picture in New Mexico, where in the past two years, a medical marijuana bill has made it to the very brink of passage only to be derailed largely for reasons having much to do with legislative politics and little to do with medical marijuana. This year, SB523, the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use of Medical Marijuana Act, is again rolling.
The bill passed its first legislative hurdle last week when it sailed through the Senate Public Affairs Committee despite the objections of law enforcement. But while New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D) last year publicly supported the bill, this year, as he embarks on a run for the Democratic presidential nomination, he has been silent. Health Department spokespersons at a hearing on the bill declined to take a position either for or against.
Comments
Medical MJ
I do hope New Mexico passes this bill. It makes sense. In fact they should legalize MJ, period.
We hope to move back to New Mexico from Colorado soon.
k
its ok 2 blaze
The Sacred Herb
That this ancient blessing from the gods has found renewed energy is one of but a few reasons to be hopeful in these dark times. This must come to pass. Marijuana is medicine and recreation, covered under our right the pursuit of happiness. Politicians and soldiers should be encouraged to get high. I suggest a new way of thinking that unites the people. I will form 'The Party Party" where the only rule is to All Party Together. Life is short, the time is now. Get High everybody, get HIGH.
Yours in the cloud,
The Prophet, Sacred Stoner
In reply to The Sacred Herb by Anonymous (not verified)
ha! ha! ha! thanks I needed that.
thanks I needed that
Why not?
I honestly don't think there is a whole lot wrong with marijuana, it can be used to treat many chronic pains and illnesses, and is safer than most prescribed medications. The only problem that I can foresee is abuse by the non-prescribed, which is inevitable whether it is legal or not.
Kaneh bosm
The truth of kaneh bosm will set us free !!!!!!!
Medical marijuana in Minnesota
I believe it is a very good idea to allow the patients and doctors to be able to use and perscribe medical marijuana if it is benificial and helpful to the patient. I don't think it's right for people in office to tell someone who benifits from medical marijuana that it is not medicine and its not good for them.
Bill number correction
There are two bills currently introduced in the New Mexico legislature regarding legal access to medical marijuana. The Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act that is referred to in the article is SB 238. SB 523, the bill number mentioned in the article, is a second medical marijuana bill that focuses specifically on the topical use of medical marijuana.
SB238 has since passed the Senate by a floor vote of 34 to 7 and is expected to be voted on in the House floor as early as this week.
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