Pubdate: Fri, 16 May 2014
Source: Washington Times (DC)
Copyright: 2014 The Washington Times, LLC.
Contact:  http://www.washingtontimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/492
Note: From wire dispatches and staff reports

STATE REACHES COMPROMISE ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILL

ST. PAUL - Minnesota lawmakers struck a deal Thursday to legalize
medical marijuana, handing a major victory to ill children and adults
whose emotional appeals for help propelled a major policy change that
once appeared dead for the session.

Gov. Mark Dayton said he would sign the legislation, which was closer
to the House's more restrictive bill than the one first passed by the
Senate. Some lamented that the deal doesn't let patients use actual
plant material - they instead can use the drug in oil, pill and vapor
form - but others were overjoyed.

"This will change my daughter's life and thousands of lives around
Minnesota," said Angie Weaver of Hibbing, whose 8-year-old daughter is
afflicted by a rare form of epilepsy.

The compromise bill allows for two manufacturing facilities and eight
dispensaries statewide, more than the House bill called for. But it
also covers fewer conditions than the Senate favored.

 From wire dispatches and staff reports  
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D