cannabisnews.com: Maine Law at Odds with Federal Policy 





Maine Law at Odds with Federal Policy 
Posted by CN Staff on December 28, 2003 at 20:54:27 PT
By Colin Hickey, Staff Reporter
Source: Kennebec Journal 
Maine voters passed a medical marijuana bill four years ago that allowed, with physician approval, limited use of marijuana for seriously ill people in need of pain relief.But the state law, strengthened by then Gov. Angus S. King Jr. in 2002, stands at odds with current federal policy, which outlaws marijuana use without exception. Waterville Police Chief John E. Morris said the opposing policies present a challenge to law enforcement agencies.
"It is absolutely confusing to the patrol officer on the street where you have a state law that contradicts federal law," he said.Morris said his officers seldom come across people using marijuana who are medical marijuana patients. If a person is found with marijuana and claims to have medical authorization to use it, Morris said his officer will issue a summons and forward the matter to the district attorney's office."If a person is on Main Street rolling a joint, he can expect to draw the police's attention," he said. "I don't consider that being hassled if that is the case. If the person can demonstrate a legitimate reason (for the marijuana), the officer will take that into consideration."Related Article: Marijuana Law Leaves Officers in QuandaryMaine voters passed a medical marijuana bill four years ago that allowed, with medical physician approval, limited use of marijuana for seriously ill people in need of pain relief.Morris said his officers seldom come across people using marijuana who are medical marijuana patients. If a person is found with marijuana and claims to have medical authorization to use it, Morris said his officer will issue a summons and forward the matter to the district attorney's office."If a person is on Main Street rolling a joint, he can expect to draw the police's attention," he said. "I don't consider that being hassled if that is the case. If the person can demonstrate a legitimate reason (for the marijuana), the officer will take that into consideration."Source: Kennebec Journal (ME)Author: Colin Hickey, Staff ReporterPublished: Sunday, December 28, 2003Copyright: 2003 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.Contact: kjedit centralmaine.comWebsite: http://www.centralmaine.com/Related Article & Web Site:Medical Marijuana Information Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/medical.htmMedical Pot User Says Law of Little Help http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread18056.shtml
Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help




Post Comment