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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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US VT: House Passes Medicinal Marijuana
ccguide Saturday 16 Mar 2002 Pubdate: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 Source: Times Argus (VT) Copyright: 2002 Times Argus Contact: Website: http://www.timesargus.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/893 Author: Tracy Schmaler, Vermont Press Bureau Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) HOUSE PASSES MEDICINAL MARIJUANA MONTPELIER -- The House gave preliminary approval Thursday to a bill that would bring Vermont in line with eight other states that allow the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. After four hours of emotional debate that saw more than one lawmaker break down in tears, the Republican-controlled House approved the controversial bill, 81-53. Lawmakers split on the issue with those supporting it viewing the measure as a mechanism to offer seriously ill patients another option in trying to ease their pain. Opponents worried that it would set the stage to legalize marijuana in the state and questioned whether the committee responsible for the bill took enough testimony from physicians and others who dispute the effectiveness of the drug. The bill would allow the cultivation and use of marijuana by seriously ill patients, as long as they obtain a certificate from their physician. The measure limits the amount a person can possess for this purpose to 3 ounces of usable marijuana, three mature plants or four immature plants. Supporters of the bill attributed its approval to the heartrending stories from lawmakers of all political stripes who offered examples of friends, relatives and loved ones who could have benefited from the drug while enduring agonizing deaths. "I really think it was the personal stories," said Rep. David Zuckerman, P-Bsourceington, the chief sponsor of the bill. Rep. Warren Kitzmiller, D-Montpelier, shared a story about his wife, Karen, whose seat in the House he took last year when she died of breast cancer. Kitzmiller re-called how a family friend, a doctor, appeared at their home one evening with a canister of marijuana to help Kitzmiller deal with her pain from the disease. Kitzmiller said his wife's pain was not so severe, but told his colleagues he was touched by the risk his friend took as a doctor to suggest the treatment. "We all know this subject has been the butt of many jokes in the hallways ... but I want all members of this House to understand that for all the people in this situation, it is not funny at all," he said. "I can forgive the jokes ... but underneath it all, it's not a funny subject, it's terribly painful. This is an issue of compassion for their suffering." Some lawmakers did show signs of flippancy by wearing sunglasses during the debate on the floor. Opponents of the bill worried that the proposal would open the door to legalization and send a dangerous message to young people in the state about the use of drugs. "The real issue here is to get the foot in the door on legalizing marijuana," contended Rep. Thomas DePoy, R-Rutland, who supported a move to send the bill to the Health and Welfare Committee, where it was promised to hang on the wall until the session was over. DePoy said he was concerned that the medicinal purposes of the drug were not well vetted during the hearings in the Judiciary Committee and wanted the bill to go to the Health and Welfare Committee, of which he is vice chairman. The House voted not to send it to the other committee. Rep. Margaret Flory, R-Pittsford, chairwoman of the Judiciary Committee, said her panel did not try to answer the question of whether the drug was more effective for nausea than others that can be prescribed by a physician now. Rather, she said, committee members were attempting to make it possible for those physicians and patients who believe marijuana to be a helpful treatment to have that option. "If doctors do not think it's medically indicated, then they won't prescribe it," she said. Supporters of the measure called it the toughest in the country, by adding further restrictions that the plant be grown indoors in a secure building or room, and by limiting to one the number of caregivers allowed to purchase it or grow it for any patient. The bill also sets up a database of those who have permission from their physicians by requiring the doctors to file a copy of the certification with the state Department of Public Safety so police can verify that information. "I think it shows some and, boy, I hate this term, compassionate conservatism," Flory said. Not everyone who spoke about a personal experience supported the bill. Rep. Linda Kirker, R-Essex, said she had watched loved ones die, but still could not support the bill. "It doesn't mean we are not compassionate people," she said. The bill is scheduled for a final vote today, during which some amendments are expected, including one that inserts a sunset on the measure and allows for some status report to the Legislature. The future of the bill is uncertain. Senate President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin, D-Windham, has said he supports the proposal and other Senate leaders have said they are open to the debate. The measure does have one strong opponent -- Democratic Gov. Howard Dean. Dean evaded questions about whether he would veto the bill if it arrived on his desk. He has been an ardent opponent and, when questioned Thursday, he suggested he would try to avoid having to veto it. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager
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