Pubdate: Thu, 15 May 2014
Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune (MN)
Copyright: 2014 Star Tribune
Contact: http://www.startribunecompany.com/143
Website: http://www.startribune.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/266
Author: Rachel E. Stassen-Berger

MINNESOTA SET TO APPROVE USE OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA

House and Senate lawmakers and Gov. Mark Dayton struck a deal to 
allow suffering Minnesotans use of marijuana to relieve their pain.

"It's taking every part of me not to try right now," said Jeremy 
Pauling, whose 7-year-old daughter suffers from seizures that could 
be helped with marijuana. "It's been a long road but now I can get my 
daughter the medicine she needs."

The compromise would require patients to certify they are qualified 
to receive cannabis to get the drug from one of eight distribution 
centers. Only two manufacturing sites would be permitted under the deal.

While that deal may not go far enough for supporters of a broader 
measure, it still will make Minnesota the 22nd state to legalize 
medical marijuana.

"The public supports this and the time had come to take this 
important step," said Sen. Scott Dibble, DFL-Minneapolis.

The measure, which backers say is one of the strictest in the nation, 
won support from Dayton and little opposition from law enforcement. 
More expansive measures that were at play in the Legislature failed 
to overcome opposition from law enforcement.

For families who had long appealed to legislators to allow them use 
of marijuana, the process was difficult.

"It's been like the wildest roller coaster I've ever been on," said Pauling.

The final agreement, expected to win full approval from the 
Legislature on Friday, could allow about 5,000 Minnesotans to use the 
drug without violating state laws.

The patients would need to certify that they have one of nine 
conditions, including cancer, Glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Tourette's 
Syndrome, ALS, seizures, severe and persistent muscle spasm, Crohn's 
Disease and certain terminal illnesses. Disappointing some advocates, 
the measure would not extend usage to post traumatic stress syndrome 
or all intractable pain. It would not allow smoking of leaf marijuana.

Dayton, who had been a skeptic of more expansive proposals, said he 
approved of the plan.

"I look forward to signing this bill into law. And I pledge that my 
administration, led by (HealthCommissioner Ed) Ehlinger, will do 
everything possible to implement it as swiftly and successfully, as 
is possible," he said in a statement.

Once the deal is signed into law, patients would be able to get the 
drug by July 1, 2015.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom