Medical Marijuana 'Compromise' Proposed in Minnesota House of Representatives Would NOT Provide ANYONE With Access to Medical Marijuana

Medical Marijuana 'Compromise' Proposed in Minnesota House of Representatives Would NOT Provide ANYONE With Access to Medical Marijuana

Unworkable proposal backed by law enforcement industry would require state agency, researchers, and doctors to violate federal laws in a manner never before seen in states with effective medical marijuana laws

Even if program could be implemented, countless Minnesotans with debilitating conditions would not qualify; it would also require many patients to travel to their doctors' offices and be supervised every time they use their medicine

ST. PAUL — A medical marijuana "compromise" proposed Thursday in the Minnesota House of Representatives would not actually provide anyone with access to medical marijuana. See below for details.

The unworkable proposal, which is being backed by the law enforcement industry, would require a state agency, researchers, and doctors to violate federal laws in a manner never before seen in states with effective medical marijuana laws. Specifically, it would be preempted by federal law because it would require the state Department of Health to contract with a marijuana manufacturer to obtain marijuana for clinical trials. The proposal would also require researchers and doctors to provide marijuana to patients.

"This proposal and testimony from law enforcement officials this week demonstrate just how unqualified they are on this subject," said Heather Azzi, political director for Minnesotans for Compassionate Care. "If they know what they're doing, they are intentionally trying to prevent seriously ill Minnesotans from ever being able to access medical marijuana. If they don't know what they are doing, they need to step aside and let those who do get the job done."

Even if the proposal could be implemented, countless Minnesotans suffering from debilitating conditions would not qualify. For example, only two out of the four patients who are currently receiving medical marijuana from the federal government via its old Investigative New Drug program would qualify for the Minnesota program. Many of the patients who would qualify would be required to travel to their doctors' offices to be supervised every time they use their medicine.

"My severe muscle spasms and pain are not confined to a 9-to-5, Monday through Friday business week," said Patrick McClellan, a Bloomington resident who suffers from a rare form of muscular dystrophy. "I use medical marijuana when I begin to have extreme spasms that can last for hours. I would not be able to get in a car and drive to my doctor's office, assuming they are even open and available to see me. Would these legislators and law enforcement officials be willing to visit their doctors' offices every time they use their medications? Patients should follow their doctors’ advice, not follow them to work every day."

"People suffering from cancer or epilepsy should not have to travel to their doctors’ offices just to use a medication that is safer than other drugs they have been prescribed," said Heather Azzi, political director for Minnesotans for Compassionate Care.

Minnesotans for Compassionate Care (MCC) is a coalition of organizations, medical professionals, patients, and concerned citizens working to protect people with cancer, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, and other serious illnesses from arrest and imprisonment for using medical marijuana with their physicians’ advice. For more information visit http://www.MNcares.org.