A Collection of Briefs From The State Capitol
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) _ Proponents of legalizing marijuana for medical purposes pointed Thursday to a Colorado program they say should be mirrored in Connecticut.
Under the Colorado law, passed in November 2000, marijuana can be used to alleviate certain debilitating medical conditions such as cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, severe pain and multiple sclerosis. The patient or a primary caregiver is issued a Medical Marijuana Registry Identification card, which allows them to grow no more than six marijuana plants for personal use.
"The program is a real powerful thing for patients and a real compassionate thing the Colorado voters did," said Gail Kelsey, administrator of the Colorado program. She appeared at the Legislative Office Building for a news conference, backing the bill before the Connecticut legislature.
More than 400 people participate in Colorado's program.
Connecticut's proposal would allow a physician to provide a written certification, qualifying patients to use marijuana for medical purposes. The bill passed in the Judiciary Committee on a 24-15 vote, and currently awaits further action in the legislature.
Last year, the bill was narrowly defeated on the floor of the House of Representatives. Proponents said they are hopeful the legislation will make to the floor again and will pass.
"This legislation is meant to protect the seriously ill from being prosecuted for following a doctor's recommendation," said Rep. Penny Bacchiochi, R-Somers, who spoke on the House floor last year about how her late husband used marijuana to combat the incapacitating nausea he experienced from treatment for terminal bone cancer.
"It is a compassionate law that will allow patients to improve the quality of their lives," she said. "It is time for Connecticut to join the eight other states that have implemented workable medical marijuana laws."
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