Pubdate: Tue, 13 Mar 2007
Source: Portales News-Tribune (NM)
Copyright: 2007 Portales News-Tribune
Contact:  http://www.pntonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3452
Author: Casey Peacock, PNT Staff Writer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILL BACK ON FLOOR

After initial efforts to pass a medical marijuana bill in the state 
Legislature were shot down in the House last week, the issue is back 
at the urging of the governor.

A substitute bill for the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act passed 
the Senate 32-3 late last week and cleared the House Judiciary 
Committee Monday, with a 10-3 vote. It now heads to the House floor.

The substitute bill includes language that would allow for topical 
use of cannabis (medical marijuana) in the form of patches, 
ointments, and suppositories, according to a press release issued by 
the Drug Policy Alliance New Mexico .

"We're excited about the possibility of the bill getting a House 
floor vote, said Reena Szczepanski, director of the alliance. This is 
an important issue to New Mexicans and it deserves a fair hearing on 
the House floor."

First introduced during the 2006 Legislature, the measure is designed 
to help people who have medical conditions that cause pain, such as 
cancer, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and AIDS, said Szczepanski.

Designed to prescribe the marijuana in a controlled restrictive 
environment, supporters of the bill feel patients who are ill should 
not have to suffer the fear of what other citizens, not faced with a 
terminally ill family member or friend, may say or do, Szczepanski said.

District Attorney Matthew Chandler opposes the bill and questions the 
necessity of using legalized drugs versus prescribed narcotics, such 
as morphine. Chandler went on to state that there is no evidence or 
research indicating the helpfulness of marijuana for terminally ill patients.

"Law enforcement is concerned where you draw the line. It becomes a 
slippery slope," he said.

Rep. Keith J. Gardner, R-Roswell, is supportive of the bill as it is 
written. With it's strict regulations, it has a low margin for error, he said.

"The truth is, it's very controlled, unlike other states," Gardner said.

Opposed to other legalized drug bills, Gardner feels this one is a 
necessity for those suffering from a terminal illnesses.

"If it could help alleviate pain, why can't it be a law?", Gardner said.

The original bill was killed by a 36-33 margin in the House after 
passing 34-7 in the Senate.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman