cannabisnews.com: Maine Speaks on Medical Marijuana Measure Maine Speaks on Medical Marijuana Measure Posted by FoM on November 02, 1999 at 11:55:39 PT By Francis X. Quinn, Associated Press Source: Boston Globe After a lopsided campaign in which proponents raised and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars and opponents made their case mainly by word of mouth, Maine voters Tuesday considered a proposal to legalize marijuana for certain medicinal uses. Voter approval would mean that the proposed legislation could take effect within 60 days. The citizen initiative asked voters: ''Do you want to allow patients with specific illnesses to grow and use small amounts of marijuana for treatment, as long as such use is approved by a doctor?'' Question 2, similar to legislation enacted in several other states, was designed to authorize possession of marijuana for specific medical conditions when patients are advised by a doctor they might benefit from the drug. The list of qualifying ailments includes persistent nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite from AIDS or cancer treatments, glaucoma, and seizures or muscle spasms from chronic diseases, such as epilepsy or multiple sclerosis. The proposed law defines a usable amount as up to 1.25 ounces of harvested marijuana and up to six marijuana plants, no more than three of which may be mature, flowering plants. Mainers for Medical Rights, virtually unchallenged by organized opposition as it promoted passage of the marijuana proposal, reported receipts of about $650,000 through Oct. 21 to finance its drive. Critics of the initiative challenged the medicinal value and reliability of privately obtained marijuana. Also at issue were at least some of the claims by proponents that it would be beneficial in the cases outlined in the proposal. The ballot initiative drew opposition from the Maine Medical Association and some law enforcement officials. In the first three weeks of October, Mainers for Medical Rights reported receiving $170,670 in cash and $41,724.65 in in-kind contributions from Americans for Medical Rights of Santa Monica, Calif. The same California-based group, said Craig Brown of the Maine campaign, supplied ''90 percent plus'' of the funding for Mainers for Medical Rights over a two-year period. Brown said a trio of prominent contributors who have been active nationally in the same cause included George Soros, the internationally known investor. Since 1996, five states California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Arizona have passed medical marijuana initiatives. Voters in the District of Columbia also registered approval. In March, a panel of medical experts concluded in a report to the federal government that marijuana has medical benefits for people suffering from cancer and AIDS and should undergo scientific trials to see how it works best. Gov. Angus King came out against enactment, noting a conflict between the proposal and federal law and suggesting that for some proponents, the initiative would be ''a first step toward the ultimate legalization of marijuana.'' Elections officials have up to 20 days to tabulate the results and pass them on to King, who would have up to 10 days to proclaim the results. The legislation, if approved, would take effect 30 days thereafter. By Francis X. Quinn, Associated Press, 11/02/99 Related Articles & Web Site:Mainers For Medical Rightshttp://www.mainers.org/Editorial: Take A Stand On Nov. 2 - 11/01/99http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread3517.shtmlInitiative Aims Only At Helping The Sick - 10/31/99http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread3496.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #5 posted by FoM on November 02, 1999 at 20:34:59 PT: Thanks Dr. Ganj! Thanks Dr. Ganj!I really wondered why no news on the Colorado Initiative but what do I know? LOL! I try so hard not to forget what is happening, that I forget!You always show up at the right time, with the right words! You must be my guardian angel!Thanks FoM! [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by Dr. Ganj on November 02, 1999 at 19:20:47 PT One more state is a lot more proof FoM...Maine was the only state to be qualified this year for a medical marijuana vote. (It WILL pass)Next year is when we'll see quite a few more states pass their own, and that will be the final thrust to end this rotten war on innocent victims of America. Keep up the fine work!Cheers,Dr. Ganj http://www.thecompassionclub.org/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by FoM on November 02, 1999 at 19:04:45 PT: Good News!!! It is really good news! Are the other state Initiatives for the year 2000? Arizona and Colorado? Is Maine the only one? I'm happy for Maine though for sure! One more victory and one step closer! [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by rainbow on November 02, 1999 at 18:45:37 PT: YES YES YES YES YES!! McCzar eat your heart out.This is close to the D.C. vote. I wonder if good ole barr will put another bill to diallow this election too.If he does my senator will vote for it.YES to maine.Rainbow [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by FoM on November 02, 1999 at 18:12:06 PT: Maine's Medical Marijuana Election Results So Far 1999 Election ResultsLast updated: 9:09 p.m., less than 6 percent of precincts reportinghttp://www.portland.com/election/QUESTION 2Medicinal Use of Marijuana"Do you want to allow patients with specific illnesses to grow and use small amounts of marijuana for treatment, as long as such use is approved by a doctor?"Yes: 69.1 percentNo: 30.9 percent [ Post Comment ] Post Comment Name: Optional Password: E-Mail: Subject: Comment: [Please refrain from using profanity in your message] Link URL: Link Title: