cannabisnews.com: Another Committee OKs Medical Pot Bill Another Committee OKs Medical Pot Bill Posted by FoM on March 08, 2001 at 08:35:57 PT By Lowry McAllen, Tribune Reporter Source: Albuquerque Tribune Rep. Ron Godbey's trial-lawyer approach to examining medical marijuana wasn't enough to lock up his opponents. The House Judiciary Committee followed the Senate's lead Wednesday night by approving a medical marijuana bill with only Godbey, a member of the committee, voting against the bill, HB 431. The committee's approval of the bill despite Godbey's opposition suggests it has real momentum toward final passage because Godbey is the most outspoken anti-drug legislator at the Roundhouse. Godbey, an Albuquerque Republican, questioned Rep. Joe Thompson, the bill's sponsor, and his expert witness, Steve Jenison, during a committee meeting as though they were on trial. He started with questions about the knowledge and experience of Jenison, medical director of the infectious disease program at the state Department of Health. Godbey then asked Thompson, also an Albuquerque Republican, about some areas of U.S. and New Mexico law. The state's passage of a medical marijuana bill could violate federal law, Godbey said. Currently, possession of marijuana is against federal statute, regardless of a state's determination to allow it for medical reasons. Rep. Al Park, an Albuquerque Democrat and a fellow lawyer, said he could have taken notes from Godbey's presentation to the committee on how to run a deposition. A deposition is an interview that becomes part of a court trial. Godbey asked Jenison to defend marijuana as a medically useful substance. Godbey said there is ample evidence that science hasn't proven the drug has benefits. "Today in the United States no doctor can prescribe marijuana, except through a few very limited programs," Godbey said, adding that those programs tend to focus on scientific research and not therapeutic treatment of patients who need relief from serious symptoms. Jenison countered in several instances that marijuana can be effective in treating nausea, wasting of the flesh and spasms in a way that prescription medicines often are not. Committee Chairman Rep. Ken Martinez, a Grants Democrat, suggested that the bill be amended to allow the medical marijuana program to run to July 2005, at which time the Legislature would assess its effectiveness. The committee approved Martinez' amendment, with Godbey casting the sole dissenting vote. And with little debate from other members of the committee over the merits of the bill itself, the measure was passed. It now heads to the full House for approval. The full Senate already approved a nearly identical medical marijuana bill Tuesday. Source: Albuquerque Tribune (NM)Author: Lowry McAllen, Tribune ReporterPublished: March 8, 2001Copyright: 2001 The Albuquerque TribuneAddress: P.O. Drawer T, 7777 Jefferson NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109Contact: letters abqtrib.comWebsite: http://www.abqtrib.com/Related Articles:Medical Marijuana Bill Approved by the Senate http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread8918.shtmlSenate Backs Medical Marijuana Bill http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread8917.shtmlMarijuana Can Be Medicine, Senate Sayshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread8915.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #3 posted by Dan B on March 08, 2001 at 09:34:30 PT: Another Correction Sorry folks! I meant to say all that about the bill, not about Martinez' amendment. Here's the quotation I meant to add:The House Judiciary Committee followed the Senate's lead Wednesday night by approving a medical marijuana bill with only Godbey, a member of the committee, voting against the bill, HB 431. I think that straightens out what I've said.Dan B [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by Dan B on March 08, 2001 at 09:31:03 PT: Pardon my Grammar This is a little better:Godbey is one of the hardline prohibitionists, a group that is quickly being outed as a tiny minority that does not represent the will of the people. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by Dan B on March 08, 2001 at 09:28:30 PT: Way to go, New Mexico! The committee approved Martinez' amendment, with Godbey casting the sole dissenting vote.And with little debate from other members of the committee over the merits of the bill itself, the measure was passed. It now heads to the full House for approval.Excellent. Put that idiot in his place! Godbey is one of those hardline prohibitionists that are quickly being outed as a tiny minority that does not represent the will of the people. You go, New Mexico! If this vote is any indication, this bill will pass, and New Mexico will add its name to the growing number of states that recognize the need to stop imprisoning sick and dying people.This also bodes well for the rest of the package. The opposition is vocal, but it seems like a very small minority. One more gold star for the good guys! Dan B [ Post Comment ] Post Comment Name: Optional Password: E-Mail: Subject: Comment: [Please refrain from using profanity in your message] Link URL: Link Title: