cannabisnews.com: Bill Would Allow Medical Marijuana Use in Nevada Bill Would Allow Medical Marijuana Use in Nevada Posted by FoM on April 12, 2001 at 22:58:32 PT By Brendan Riley, Associated Press Writer Source: Associated Press An Assembly panel voted Thursday for a bill letting seriously ill Nevadans grow their own marijuana for pain relief -- and easing penalties for anyone caught with small amounts of weed. AB453 was approved 11-2, and now goes to the Assembly Ways and Means Committee because of potential costs of setting up a state registration card program for those qualifying for medical marijuana. Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, D-Las Vegas, who proposed AB453, questioned whether the cost would be very much. She also said the decriminalization section is based on a recommendation from a state commission headed by Supreme Court Justice Bob Rose. Assembly Judiciary members Sharron Angle and Greg Brower, both Reno Republicans, voted ``no.'' Brower said Nevada voters may have backed the idea of medical marijuana -- but not decriminalization of small amounts of the drug. Giunchigliani pressed successfully for an amendment to the bill, to adopt an Oregon-style system that would let anyone qualifying for medical marijuana grow up to seven plants. Under the amendment, only three of the plants could be mature, and the person possessing the plants could have no more than one ounce of harvested marijuana at any one time. The amendment was proposed because of an impasse over a proposed state-managed farm for medical marijuana. Among other things, critics said the cost would be excessive. The state Department of Agriculture had estimated that it would cost roughly $750,000 to start up a state-managed pot farm. ``I'm thrilled the vote was as strong as it was and that the committee recognized the will of the people,'' Giunchigliani said. As the Assembly Judiciary voted for AB453, Senate Judiciary Chairman Mark James told his committee strict controls are needed so that ensure underworld types don't wind up supplying marijuana to sick people. James raised the possibility of state-licensed marijuana growers who could be regulated and controlled. Otherwise, he said Nevadans needing marijuana to cope with serious illnesses would be dealing with drug-smugglers and dealers. ``I will have no part of that,'' said James, adding that the Legislature shouldn't ``do anything that would put one penny into the coffers of some disgusting crime organization, because that's the lowest thing.'' James commented as his committee considered SB242, a measure aimed at fixing a loophole created by a 1999 law to allow individuals to legally grow up to 99 pounds of marijuana. Giunchigliani's AB453 would create a state registry for all patients whose doctors recommend they use marijuana for medical reasons. People with cancer, AIDS, glaucoma, severe pain and nausea would be eligible for a marijuana user card. Among the conditions for a patient to get approval for medical marijuana are state residency, having a qualified medical condition and having a licensed physician in Nevada. The measure also goes further than a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 1997 and 1999, changing the law on possession of an ounce or less of marijuana to a misdemeanor offense. Nevada is one of the few states with a felony law for marijuana possession. Under AB453, a person with an ounce or less of marijuana would be charged with a misdemeanor punished by a fine of no more than $600. A second offense would result in a higher fine and assignment to a treatment or rehabilitation program. Third-time offenders would be charged with a gross misdemeanor and have to pay an even steeper fine. Source: Associated PressPublished: Thursday, April 12, 2001Copyright: 2001 Associated Press Related Articles:Bill Would Allow Medical Marijuana Use In Nevada http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread9353.shtmlMedical Marijuana: State Run Pot Farm Idea Sinkshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread9335.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #1 posted by sm247 on April 13, 2001 at 00:54:45 PT Out of the dark ages nevada comes to light. James raised the possibility of state-licensed marijuana growers who could be regulated and controlled. Otherwise, he said Nevadans needing marijuana to cope with serious illnesses would be dealing with drug-smugglers and dealers. ``I will have no part of that,'' said James, adding that the Legislature shouldn't ``do anything that would put one penny into the coffers of some disgusting crime organization, because that's the lowest thing.'' Well right now Nevada is doing exactly that by allowing the prohibition to continue. The measure also goes further than a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 1997 and 1999, changing the law on possession of an ounce or less of marijuana to a misdemeanor offense. Nevada is one of the few states with a felony law for marijuana possession. I am suprised that it hasn't been fully legallized in the state already. This change should have been made 30 years ago. The proposed fine of $600 is way steep compared to other state. Seems making money off the gambling isn't lining their pockets as well as they wish. [ Post Comment ] Post Comment Name: Optional Password: E-Mail: Subject: Comment: [Please refrain from using profanity in your message] Link URL: Link Title: