In House approves medical marijuana bill, St. Cloud Times reporter Mark Sommerhauser takes a look at how and why central Minnesota state representatives voted on the very restrictive lower chamber version of the bill.
He summarizes the provisions in the legislation:
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Carly Melin, DFL-Hibbing, is far narrower in scope than the medical marijuana bill passed Tuesday by the Minnesota Senate. It would legalize medical marijuana only for participants in a Medical Cannabis Therapeutic Research Study run by the Department of Health. About 5,000 Minnesotans with specified conditions, such as cancer, seizures or multiple sclerosis, could participate.
A single, state-approved manufacturer would supply patients with medical marijuana through two dispensaries under the House proposal. Smoking of the drug would not be allowed; it could be consumed only in pill or oil form.
It's worth a read, and there's an interesting interview with Tama Thies (R-St. Cloud) about how she came to say yes.
In the Marshall Independent, Per Peterson reports in Minnesota House passes medical pot legislation how local representatives split their votes, and adds the cost to the details:
The Medical Cannabis Therapeutic Research Act will have a fiscal impact of $2.9 million in FY 14-15 and a total of $4.9 million over the next three years.
These differences with the Senate bill are discussed in an interview with Scott Dibble by Esme Murphy at CBS Minnesota. Esme also pointed out that, regarldess of which version of the bill passes, Minnesotans will first gain access to legal medical marijuana in 2015 after the regulations are worked out.
Here's the interview:
Photo: Senator Scott Dibble, who's been the mover behind much successful progressive leigislation in Minnesota, from marriage equality to anti-bullying.
If you enjoyed reading this post, consider giving a donation via mail (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, P.O. Box 108, Maynard MN 56260) or paypal:
Comments