Pubdate: Thu, 24 Jan 2013
Source: Oklahoman, The (OK)
Copyright: 2013 The Oklahoma Publishing Co.
Contact: http://www.newsok.com/voices/guidelines
Website: http://newsok.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/318
Author: Michael McNutt
Page: 4A

SENATOR SEEKS RELAXED POT LAWS

A legislator who couldn't get an interim study last fall on the 
benefits of medical marijuana has filed two measures to ease the 
state's tough marijuana laws.

Sen. Constance Johnson, D-Forest Park, has filed separate bills to 
establish a medical marijuana program in Oklahoma and to reduce the 
penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana.

Senate Bill 902 would direct the State Board of Medical Licensure and 
Supervision to develop and adopt rules that allow people with 
debilitating medical conditions to use marijuana with approval from 
their physicians and to establish fees for the "licensing, 
production, distribution and consumption" of marijuana for medical purposes.

SB 914 would reduce the maximum penalty for possessing up to 1.5 
ounces of marijuana from a maximum of one year in jail and a $1,000 
fine to a maximum of 10 days in jail and a $200 fine. It's uncertain 
if the bills will get a committee hearing in the 
Republican-controlled Legislature.

Johnson last year sought an interim study on medical marijuana, but 
the chairman of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee 
declined her request, saying legalization of medical marijuana would 
be prohibited under federal law.
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