Pubdate: Tue, 02 Mar 2004
Source: Hartford Courant (CT)
Copyright: 2004 The Hartford Courant
Contact:  http://www.ctnow.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/183
Author: Garret Condon
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

MARIJUANA PROPOSAL REVIVED

Supporters are hoping to breathe life back into a medical marijuana bill 
that is making its fourth appearance at the legislature in as many years.

Testimony at a public hearing Monday demonstrated some support among 
Connecticut doctors, but it also showed there is still strongly felt 
opposition among lawmakers.

The proposed law would decriminalize the cultivation and use of small 
amounts of marijuana for seriously ill patients who are certified to use 
the drug by their doctors. Nine states have similar laws. Last year's bill 
lost by 15 votes in the House of Representatives, according to the bill's 
sponsor, Rep. Jim Abrams, D-Meriden.

Rep. Toni Boucher, R-Wilton, speaking before the legislature's judiciary 
committee, said such a law would send kids the wrong message about drug use.

"Now we're about to say, 'It's OK, it's just medicine,'" she said.

Under the proposed law, doctors would not be at risk of violating federal 
law because they would not possess or prescribe marijuana - they would only 
recommend it, said Dr. David Simon, an anesthesiologist who said he is the 
only doctor to ever apply for a license to provide medicinal marijuana, but 
was turned down.
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