Pubdate: Wed, 30 Mar 2005
Source: La Crosse Tribune (WI)
Copyright: 2005, The La Crosse Tribune
Contact:  http://www.lacrossetribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/229
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

KIERLIN: BILL SHIELDING MEDICAL MARIJUANA USERS IS ABOUT COMPASSION

WINONA, Minn. -- State Sen. Robert Kierlin of Winona has co-authored a
bill to protect seriously ill people from prosecution for using
medicinal marijuana.

Federal law bars all use of the drug, but states have passed laws to
exempt seriously ill patients from state-level prosecution. Minnesota
would become the 11th state to enact such a measure if Kierlin's bill,
introduced Tuesday, passes the Legislature.

"It's a question of compassion," the Winona Republican said. "With
terminal illnesses, if there's any chance to solve any of the pain
problem with any drug we should give it a shot."

Sixty percent of Minnesotans say they would support a law to allow
people with cancer, multiple sclerosis and other serious illnesses to
use marijuana with physician approval, according to a recent poll
conducted by Zogby International.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin