Pubdate: Tue, 07 Jun 2005
Source: Clanton Advertiser, The (AL)
Copyright: 2005 Clanton Advertiser
Contact:  http://www.clantonadvertiser.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1742
Author:  Scott Mims
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?232 (Chronic Pain)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Raich (Raich v. Ashcroft)

MARTIN NOT SUPPORTING MEDICINAL MARIJUANA

A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision overriding California's medical 
marijuana law is not deterring an Alabama state representative from trying 
to pass a similar law here.

State Representative Laura Hall (D-Huntsville) has drafted a bill that 
would allow people who use marijuana for medical purposes to get the drug 
from pharmacies through a doctor's prescription. Hall's bill differs from 
California's law in that the latter made provisions for homegrown marijuana.

The bill was approved by the Alabama House Judiciary Committee but was not 
considered by the House during the regular session.

"I don't think any state law could supersede any federal law," said Rep. 
Jimmy Martin, indicating that the differences of Hall's bill from 
California's law wouldn't make any difference.

Monday's 6-3 Supreme Court decision overrides similar marijuana laws in 10 
U.S. states, meaning anyone who gets marijuana through a doctor's 
prescription, as well as anyone who grows the plant for themselves or 
someone else, can be prosecuted by federal law enforcement for possession.

Doctors have been known to prescribe the drug for pain; usually the type of 
pain related to chronic medical conditions.

"Marijuana is declared illegal," Martin said. "It mostly leads to 
additional drug use of harder drugs."

Martin added, "I've never been in the situation where I or my loved ones 
would be better off or would get some type of relief from marijuana. I 
would never want to be in that situation. I hope I'm never put into the 
position to have to make that decision."

States wherein medical marijuana laws have been passed include Alaska, 
California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont and 
Washington state. Hall intends to bring the bill back next January with the 
beginning of the 2006 Alabama Legislative Session.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager