Legislature Poised to Okay Marijuana for Medical Use
May 1, 2007
Pioneer Press
The Minnesota Senate today is set to approve the use of marijuana for people who are critically ill or in excruciating pain.
The House may soon follow the measure survived its fifth committee hearing today on a 20-14 vote and will soon be on its way to a floor vote.
Although there are differences between the House and Senate measures, both essentially would set up a state system allowing qualified patients to receive marijuana from special nonprofit organizations to ease their pain and symptoms. Backers believe that marijuana can help those patients in ways traditional drugs cannot.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty, like many law enforcement organizations, opposes the measure. He has said he will veto it.
To read the House measure, go to www.house.mn and search for hf655. To read the Senate measure, go to www.senate.mn and search for sf345. You can also watch the Senate debate, which will start soon after 11 a.m. today, from the Senate site if you click "Watch Live Video."
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