April 30, 2012

HOUSE APPROVES MEDICAL MARIJUANA USE

State Representative Toni Walker backed passage of a bill (HB 5389) by the House of Representatives that allows medical doctors to essentially prescribe marijuana to patients who suffer from a number of serious and often debilitating illnesses.

The legislation lists various diseases for which marijuana could be prescribed to ease related pain and symptoms including cancer, glaucoma and multiple sclerosis. Licensed pharmacists approved by the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) would fill the prescriptions.

“We heard very personal and touching stories from people who suffer every minute of every day,” said Walker. “Marijuana will ease their pain.”

Rep. Walker noted that no insurance company would be required to provide coverage for prescribed marijuana. In addition, medical cannabis could only be grown and dispensed within Connecticut borders and could not be imported or exported. Use of the herb by patients would be prohibited in public, the workplace or in the presence of a minor. DCP along with an 8-doctor board would oversee implementation of the new medical marijuana law.

The legislation received bipartisan support and now moves to the state Senate for consideration. If passed there and eventually signed into law by Governor Malloy, it would take effect October 1.

A total of 16 states have enacted laws legalizing medical marijuana with California being the first in 1996 via statewide referendum. Rhode Island’s legislature overwhelmingly approved the use of medical marijuana in 2006.