cannabisnews.com: Medical Marijuana Bill Squeaks by House Medical Marijuana Bill Squeaks by House Posted by FoM on March 13, 2001 at 08:11:28 PT By Steve Terrell, The New Mexican Source: Santa Fe New Mexican Those who want to allow patients to use marijuana to treat certain medical conditions won a slim but significant victory Monday when the state House of Representatives approved a "medical marijuana" bill. Supporters call it the "Compassionate Use of Marijuana Act," but opponents insist the bill is a "smokescreen" for legalizing drugs. "What kind of a message are we sending to our children?" was a rhetorical question voiced several times by the bill's opponents during the floor debate as well as at an anti-drug decriminalization rally held Monday morning in the Capitol Rotunda. The House voted 35-32 to approve House Bill 431, sponsored by Rep. Joe Thompson, R-Albuquerque.To that, Rep. Dan Foley, R-Roswell, responded, "What message are we sending? The right message. The message that we care about people and that we're not going to turn our back on them because of some scare tactic (by people who say) someone suffering from cancer is going to become a drug pusher because of this."The bill is part of Gov. Gary Johnson's drug-reform package.The vote was extremely close considering the state Senate passed a similar bill (SB319) last week by a vote of 29-12. Unlike the House vote, a majority of Senate Republicans present voted in favor of the bill.On Monday, however, House Republicans voted 18 to 10 against the bill. Democrats voted 25 to 14 in favor of the bill.Because both the House and Senate passed their own bill on medical marijuana, it is not clear what will happen next. If the House passes the Senate bill - or if the Senate passes the House version - that bill would go to Johnson to sign.Because of the slim margin in the House, Foley said, the fastest way to get medical marijuana approved might be for the Senate to act on HB431.The only major difference between the two is the "sunset clause" in the House bill. If the House bill becomes law, the medical-marijuana program would expire in four years and the Legislature would have to approve it again for the program to continue.Either bill would set up a program in the state Health Department to allow people suffering serious medical conditions to smoke marijuana to ease pain and nausea.A person who thought he or she might be helped by therapeutic marijuana would consult a doctor, who would decide whether to recommend the person for the program. The doctor would send his recommendation to the state Health Department, which would approve - or deny - the patient's participation.A panel of nine doctors nominated by the state health secretary and approved by the Senate would oversee the medical-marijuana program. The Health Department would decide policy questions such as how the marijuana would be cultivated and distributedAs he did last week when HB431 was heard by the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Ron Godbey, R-Cedar Crest, peppered Thompson with a series of questions.Some of Godbey's questions were technical - such as who would pay for the photo-identification cards called for in the program. (The patient would, Thompson answered.)One question evoked nightmarish visions of what might happen under the program: "Does this mean a patient using marijuana can go out and rape and pillage?" he asked regarding one section of the bill. (Thompson assured him this was not the case.)He asked whether a bunion could be a condition for which marijuana could be used for treatment under the bill.Thompson said that theoretically that could happen - if the nine-doctor panel concluded it was a valid treatment for bunions. "But that's highly unlikely," Thompson added.Godbey appeared at the Rotunda rally Monday morning along with Rep. Martha Atkin, R-Rio Rancho, and Republican Sens. Ramsay Gorham of Albuquerque and Shirley Bailey of Hobbs.Speaking before a backdrop of handmade posters reading "Just Say No" and "Marijuana is Not Medicine," Godbey said when out-of-state organizations "spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to legalize marijuana in this little state, there's got to be something wrong."Source: Santa Fe New Mexican (NM)Author: Steve Terrell, The New Mexican Published: March 13, 2001Copyright: 2001 The Santa Fe New MexicanAddress: 202 E Marcy, Santa Fe, N.M. 87501Fax: (505) 986-3040Contact: letters sfnewmexican.comWebsite: http://www.sfnewmexican.com/Related Articles:Another Committee OKs Medical Pot Bill http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread8927.shtml Medical Marijuana Bill Approved by the Senate http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread8918.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #22 posted by FoM on March 14, 2001 at 22:33:32 PT NiftySplifty that's fine NiftySplifty I'm going to bookmark the links. If I had a web site that I believed in I'd post it for you all too. That's not commercial advertising. That's helping each other. [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by Dan B on March 14, 2001 at 22:18:39 PT: Thanks, NiftySplifty I'll bookmark those places and get back to them when I have a bit of money to spare. I'm doing fine, really. I was just a bit discouraged for a while there. I've gone much longer than this without cannabis before, and I'll probably do so again in the future. I really do appreciate the information on kava, and I'll keep it handy for future reference. Since I'm not using cannabis for therapeutic reasons (although I did once after a surgery), I don't feel that it's crucial for me to get the cannabis-like effects from using it. It's enough for me to get the mild antidepressant effects of kava for now.Thanks again!Dan BP.S., I don't think your comments were too commercial. It seems to me that you were just providing information, and that's okay by me. [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by NiftySplifty on March 14, 2001 at 22:10:29 PT Oops! I hope that wasn't commercial advertising! FoMIf my last post falls into the commercial advertising category, please go ahead and delete it, with my apologies.N... [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by NiftySplifty on March 14, 2001 at 22:08:41 PT Kava for Dan B, my friend. Dan, I have to say if you want to use some Kava, I'd suggest getting some in it's ground form, not pill (I'm not sure which way you've tried). I have bought some from a place called **Kickbackwithkava.com and have to say it is even relaxing to massage the bag in the water. There is one called **KavaKing.com that has a very fine powder "instant-style" that is also good, if you don't want to take the time to squeeze. It helps with some tight muscles, like lower back. But, it is certainly not on par with cannabis as far as stress goes.Having said that, while using cannabis, if you squeeze a few heaping teaspoons of kava (you can make a few bowls/cups worth out of one serving) it is very, very nice. I had only tried the two together the last time I had some herb, and that was a couple months ago. The muscle relaxing attribute of kava is definitely capitalized with cannabis. You might want to give it a try.Nifty...**I am in no way affiliated with either of these companies. I've just tried their products, and was pleased with both** [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by FoM on March 14, 2001 at 21:48:12 PT Dan Thanks Dan,Life is strange. It runs in cycles. There's a time for every season under the sun. I've learned that what we have right now is all we really have, so enjoy the moment. I'm upset about my husbands health but we still have now and no one knows when or how they will die. When you are confronted with illness you learn to keep everything in perspective. I can say that a little easily now but I wasn't always at peace with dealing with problems like this.Thanks for the prayers. They are appreciated. [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by Dan B on March 14, 2001 at 21:35:38 PT: FoM First, thank you for the well wishes concerning the possible job.Also, I wish the best for your husband and for you. I hope that the tests come back fine. Rest assured that the people at Cannabis News are thinking of and (for those who believe in it) praying for you and your husband, and I'm sure I can speak for everyone by saying we all wish you both well.Take care.Dan B [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by FoM on March 14, 2001 at 20:00:56 PT Dan & ekim Hi Dan, I think you are smart not mixing alcohol and herbs. I don't think you should mix prescription drugs and herbs either but that's just me. I am working on a Hepatitis C Information board. So far I'm not impressed with the current medicine they are using so I'm looking for alternative treatments. My husband is doing better but more and more tests are being lined up. They are going to do a biopsy of a sore that won't heal under his tongue and a Liver and Pancreas Scan. They haven't mentioned a biopsy of the Liver yet but from the information I'm gathering they will. We have lost friends from years ago from HCV recently but the ones that died or on a liver transplant list drank alcohol. Thank goodness my husband doesn't drink or take drugs. He might be able to stay healthy a little longer. Good Luck with your possible new job. Hello ekim,Yes I saw the show and it was very annoying to me too. Dr. Weil is a good Doctor. I had the opportunity to ask him a few questions in scheduled news chats at MSNBC and CNN and he was most gracious and answered with Wisdom. I don't like when we know someone is wise them trying to make him look like he isn't wrapped very tight. Weil Says LSD Cured His Allergy http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread8882.shtml [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by Dan B on March 14, 2001 at 19:42:19 PT: Interesting you should mention that, FoM I do have some Kava Kava, but it's pretty weak. Still, I have noticed some improvement in my mood on the days I've taken it. On days when I take kava, I also take St. John's Wort. The combination is actually quite helpful. I should probably take them both more regularly, but I don't like to take them when I plan on drinking, and I'm experiencing one of my rare "drinking spells." I do this every once in a while, at least a couple of weeks in between to give my liver a rest, and I usually don't drink more than a couple of drinks in a night--tonight is an exception. I've had several, but I'm celebrating Spring Break, and I'm so rarely drunk (am in fact just maintaining a nice buzz) that I feel it's okay.Anyway, I'm rambling (a side effect of the buzz), but at any rate, I've used kava kava, and I think it is wonderful. I'd prefer cannabis, but kava is nice, in a pinch. By the way, I should find out about the Ukiah, CA job this week. I'll keep you posted. Also, I've just applied for a job in Eureka, CA. I hope to be out that way soon!Keeping my fingers crossed.Dan B [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by ekim on March 14, 2001 at 19:25:56 PT: Dr.Weil Dear FOM did you see the nasty light that 60 MIN. put Dr. Weil in last week. They were very disrespectfull of this gentle giant. [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by FoM on March 14, 2001 at 18:55:18 PT Welcome Dan! That is a shame about being Cannabis free that long. Have you thought of using Kava? Kava has similar effects and they don't test for it yet. You might want to check it out.http://www.kavaroot.com/http://www.drweil.com/archiveqa/0,2283,249,00.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by Dan B on March 14, 2001 at 18:30:36 PT: FoM--Thank You I have been greatly discouraged as of late. Perhaps it's because I've been cannabis free for several months with no end in sight, have been applying for jobs and fear the mandatory pre-employment drug test too much to get some cannabis any time soon (I'm in higher education, but that in no way means that I'm immune to such testing), and have generally been discouraged because of the policies of the Bush administration that I knew would be enacted, but nevertheless am disgusted with. Now, you have posted a ray of light in my darkness (pardon the drippy cliche), and I am revived. I feel so grateful to you (and George Schultz, as well) that you have posted such an amazing article about Schultz's call to Governor Johnson. I knew Schultz was against the drug war, but I am so pleased that he has decided to lend his name to the cause in such an open-ended manner. So, many heartfelt thanks from a formerly discouraged loyal reader at Cannabis News. You're a gem.Dan B [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by FoM on March 14, 2001 at 11:41:35 PT Really Is Good News Hi dddd,I thought it was great too. I waited hoping someone would right an extended article but I went ahead and wanted to share this with all of you. I'll keep my eyes open for a better more complete article so I can post it on C News. It was just too small. FreedomToExhale [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by dddd on March 14, 2001 at 11:27:07 PT Beyond Farther Thanx FoM....this report is remarkable!,,,and quite nice....dddd [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by FoM on March 14, 2001 at 10:53:39 PT: News Brief From The Associated Press Johnson Gets Lofty Support for Drug Policy Reform PlansSource: Associated PressPublished: March 14, 2001Copyright: 2001 Associated Press SANTA FE -- Former U.S. Secretary of State George P. Schultz called Gov. Gary Johnson on Tuesday to express support for the governor's campaign to revamp drug policies. Johnson said the call came "out of the blue." The governor said Schultz, who served under President Reagan, told him they shared the view that the war on drugs had been a failure. Johnson supports lifting criminal sanctions for marijuana possession. For other drugs, such as heroin, he advocates "harm reduction" programs that focus on treatment of addiction and prevention of health problems from drug use. Schultz knew of the governor's effort to change New Mexico's laws, according to Johnson. "We chitchatted a bit and he just interestingly said, 'If at any time invoking his name might work to my benefit to please do so,'" Johnson told reporters Tuesday. My What's New Page [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by dddd on March 14, 2001 at 05:55:21 PT Farther Out How much more strange will it have to get before someone starts laughingat these antis' antics???? >"He asked whether a bunion could be a condition for which marijuana could be used for treatment under the bill."How ridiculous,,,,everyone knows that Paxil is the best pill for bunions!,,,andif that dont work,,simply rub some ground up Ritalin on the affected area,and youcan tell Dr. Scholl to take a walk!....dd...d.....dimented [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by craven on March 13, 2001 at 18:58:58 PT what the hell is this guy thinking "One question evoked nightmarish visions of what might happen under the program: "Does this mean a patient using marijuana can go out and rape and pillage?" he asked regarding one section of the bill."Yeah... we want to legalize rape.. that's the REAL motive behind this bill... what the hell? Because you know ALL cancer and AIDS patients really wanna run around and rape and pillage.. they're thankful to be able to get outta bed and go about the routine a NORMAL person could do. Where does this thinking come from??? [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by SuperStoner on March 13, 2001 at 14:34:08 PT: wtf come on this makes no sense >>Speaking before a backdrop of handmade posters reading "Just Say No" and "Marijuana is Not Medicine," Godbey said when out-of-state organizations "spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to legalize marijuana in this little state, there's got to be something wrong."Ok how much do they spend to proscuit people for simple possesion. How much do they take to fund their prisons. How much will leaglizing save .... all of the above + human life. Thats what will be saved. Its pretty sick that people value money over peoples life, just plain sick. Ive said it before and ill say it agian, This coutry has got its head up its ass and the only good that comes from that is a load of shit in your mouth.peacesuperstoner [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by sm247 on March 13, 2001 at 12:56:05 PT Cheers n jeers Godbey's questions were out of line and very stupid if you ask me (though you didn't):0I just hope somehow they get the law into effect. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by Big Ab on March 13, 2001 at 11:48:15 PT: Christians ????? Christians ?? NOT HARDLY !!!! If they are then they surely don't know what the bible says !!!!First Chapter of the First Book - Genisis " To you I give every herb that bears seed. To man it shall be as meat to eat" If herb with seed is'nt cannabis I don't know what is !!! [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by FoM on March 13, 2001 at 10:25:01 PT My 2 cents Remember seeing an old lady running around with a rolling pin and was going to make everyone get in line? Sometimes I feel that way! LOL! [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by kaptinemo on March 13, 2001 at 09:50:00 PT: "Crab-bucket" syndrome Anyone who's ever gone crab-hunting has seen this: one crab will start to escape from the bucket, and others will pull it back down. This is 'crab-bucket syndrome'.The antis are masters of it...and it harms society to no end.Sick from chemo? AIDS? Need relief from unrelenting nausea? Tortured by irritable-bowel syndrome/Crohn's Disease? Suffering from insomnia? Anorexia? High priced pharmaceuticals not working? (Or working in ways that the side effects cause more damage than the disease or condition?) There's one thing that absolutely will work. And relieve pain. And improve appetite, thus improving your chances of survival. And it's absolutely safe to use; no LD50 has ever been known to exist..but the antis won't let you use it. They'll do their utmost to reach up with their crabby claws and haul the sick and dying back down into the depths of their misery for daring to try to escape it. They'd rather see those who are dying die for their principles than allow them a degree of peace. They've created a mess in which we all suffer from.(But of course, they don't see; they remain at a discreet distance to avoid viewing the results of their crusading upon their victims. Can't be visiting hospices and cancer wards and risk being righteously spat upon by those they've condemned to the agony they are being forced to endure.)And many of these people count themselves as Christians. This is hardly original, but I'd wager ol' Yeshua must heave his guts when he sees all the 'good works' being done in His name. By all these 'good Christian people'. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by ekim on March 13, 2001 at 09:22:19 PT: no way to set example for the children As he did last week when HB431 was heard by the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Ron Godbey, R-Cedar Crest, peppered Thompson with a series of questions."Does this mean a patient using marijuana can go out and rape and pillage?" he asked regarding one section of the bill. (Thompson assured him this was not the case.)An elected offical trying to instill fear and anger against someone whom has done nothing at all. This type of unhumane behavior is not the way to teach the children. Shame on Godbey. [ Post Comment ] Post Comment Name: Optional Password: E-Mail: Subject: Comment: [Please refrain from using profanity in your message] Link URL: Link Title: