Medical marijuana stalls in Boise
The 2012 legislative session has adjourned in Boise, and unfortunately, medical marijuana legislation failed to advance past introduction. Rep. Tom Trail (R – Moscow) again introduced legislation that, if passed, would have protected Idahoans with serious and debilitating medical conditions from arrest and prosecution for using medical marijuana under their physicians’ recommendations. The Idaho Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act, or HB 370, wasn't even given a hearing prior to adjournment. Please contact your legislators today and ask them to support medical marijuana in the future.
This marked the second session in a row that medical marijuana was up for debate in Boise. In 2011, the bill was given an informational hearing in the House Committee on Health and Welfare, where both Rep. Trail and current patients outlined the need for a working medical marijuana program in Idaho. Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Montana, and Canada (all of which share a border with Idaho) allow their citizens to use marijuana for medical purposes. Tell your legislators that jailing patients is bad policy.
Idaho lawmakers need to understand that medical marijuana is popular and would be welcomed by their constituency. A February 2011 Boise State University Public Policy Survey found that 74% of respondents favor allowing “terminally and seriously ill patients to use and purchase marijuana for medical purposes.” Email your legislators to make sure they know their constituents care about this issue!
If you are a medical professional or a patient who might benefit from medical marijuana, we would like to hear from you. Additionally, if you are a law enforcement official, member of the bar, clergy member, or local official who supports this issue, please email state@mpp.org to see how you can be of special help.
Under current Idaho law, an individual charged with possession of up to an ounce of marijuana faces a year in jail and/or up to a $1,000 fine. To learn more about Idaho’s marijuana laws, arrests, and use, please see Dr. Jon Gettman, Ph.D.’s comprehensive report.
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