April 26, 2012

HOUSE APPROVES MEDICAL MARIJUANA USE
Natural herb could be prescribed by doctors

State Representative Juan Candelaria (D-New Haven) backed passage of a bill (HB 5389) by the House of Representatives that allows medical doctors to essentially prescribe marijuana to patients they determine could benefit from use of the herb.

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.

“Palliative use of marijuana is definitely a good option for patients who are suffering from debilitating illnesses,” Candelaria said. “We heard many compelling personal stories from people who found relief using it. I am glad to see passage of this bill after years of hard work to get it done.”

Candelaria 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.