cannabisnews.com: Senate Gives Final OK for Medical Pot Senate Gives Final OK for Medical Pot Posted by FoM on April 24, 2001 at 07:23:10 PT By John Sanko, News Capitol Bureau Source: Denver Rocky Mountain News It was a special moment for Martin Chilcutt Monday as he watched from the galleries as the Colorado Senate gave final approval to a medical marijuana bill. The 67-year-old retired psychotherapist and cancer survivor has battled since 1996 for the right of cancer victims and others with debilitating diseases to have the right to use marijuana to ease their pain or nausea. First there was the lengthy battle to get petition signatures to put the issue on the ballot in 1998, only to have the measure fall victim to counting errors in the secretary of state's office and numerous court battles. But it was back on the ballot in 2000 and voters said yes. "I'm just so happy that I got to see it happen," said Chilcutt. "It was a sort of closure. I was so delighted to see the intelligence of the Colorado voters prevail over ignorance and irrational fears." HB 1371, which was approved on a 21-12 vote in the Senate, sets up the groundwork for carrying out the constitutional amendment. It now has been approved by both houses, but must return to the House for consideration of a Senate amendment before it goes to Gov. Bill Owens. Ironically, Owens and Sen. Norma Anderson, R-Lakewood, the Senate sponsor of the bill, both stood on the statehouse steps in 1998, urging voters to defeat the measure. Chilcutt said it was "tough for me to just sit there" during the final floor debate between Sen. Ken Arnold, R-Westminster, and Anderson and say nothing. "It medical marijuana helps so many people," he said. "I know so many people out there with cancer that use it so successfully." The legislation sets up the procedures that chronically ill patients with conditions such as cancer, glaucoma or AIDS must follow in order to use medical marijuana. They need a doctor's permission and must be on a state registry, which allows them to use the drug. Even after they pay a $140 annual registration fee, it's still illegal under federal law to distribute or sell marijuana. The constitutional amendment approved by voters allows patients to possess up to 2 ounces and six marijuana plants. Arnold, a retired Colorado State Patrol major, made a last-ditch effort to kill the bill, saying it was unnecessary and dangerous. "I think it's just a foot in the door to legalize marijuana completely," Arnold said, adding that users will never be certain about the potency of what they are using. Source: Denver Rocky Mountain News (CO)Author: John Sanko, News Capitol BureauPublished: April 24, 2001Copyright: 2000 Denver Publishing Co.Contact: letters denver-rmn.com Website: http://www.denver-rmn.com/Related Articles & Web Site:Coloradans For Medical Rights http://www.medicalmarijuana.com/House Gives Initial Approval To Implementing Planhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread9252.shtmlMarijuana Use Rules Spelled Out http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread9202.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #2 posted by freedom fighter on April 24, 2001 at 19:13:42 PT Martin, I have been following his work.. He paid 25,000$ of his own money to get it all start.Martin is a good kind man.. I admired him.\/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by sm247 on April 24, 2001 at 13:21:31 PT Applause !! I would like to know what the ammendment was they stuck in there.Ironically, Owens and Sen. Norma Anderson, R-Lakewood, the Senate sponsor of the bill, both stood on the statehouse steps in 1998, urging voters to defeat the measure. Chilcutt said it was "tough for me to just sit there" during the final floor debate between Sen. Ken Arnold, R-Westminster, and Anderson and say nothing. "It medical marijuana helps so many people," he said. "I know so many people out there with cancer that use it so successfully." I salute these men who stood up for us!! [ Post Comment ] Post Comment Name: Optional Password: E-Mail: Subject: Comment: [Please refrain from using profanity in your message] Link URL: Link Title: