Senators announce national medical marijuana bill

Posted 8/21/12

WASHINGTON, DC — On March 10, Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ), Rand Paul (R-KY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced new bipartisan legislation to allow patients, doctors and businesses in states that …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Senators announce national medical marijuana bill

Posted

WASHINGTON, DC — On March 10, Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ), Rand Paul (R-KY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced new bipartisan legislation to allow patients, doctors and businesses in states that have already passed medical marijuana laws to participate in those programs without fear of federal prosecution.

Medical marijuana is legal in 23 states and the District of Columbia, and 12 states have laws regulating cannabidiol oils, a non-psychotropic component of medical marijuana used to treat seizures. However, federal laws leave those who prescribe, use and sell medical marijuana vulnerable to arrest. The bill will make what the lawmakers call overdue reforms to ensure patients—including veterans receiving care from Veterans Administration facilities in states with medical marijuana programs—access to the care they need. The senators were joined by joined by patients, their families and advocates.

A medical marijuana program has been approved in New York State, and various marijuana bills have been introduced in the House and Senate in the Pennsylvania State Legislature.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here