KS-Bill to seeks Defense of Medical Marijuana

By: skamikaze

BILL SEEKS MEDICAL DEFENSE OF MARIJUANA

by James Carlson, The Capital-Journal,
28 Jan 2008
Topeka Capital-Journal A bill introduced in a Senate committee Monday would allow judges to consider a medical condition as defense of marijuana possession.

Under the proposal, those with a debilitating illness arrested for the drug’s possession could present in court a doctor’s written certification that marijuana would offer therapeutic benefits.

"This is simply an issue of compassion," said Laura Green, director of the Kansas Compassionate Care Coalition that helped draft the measure.

The bill would not legalize or decriminalize possessing the drug.

The mere introduction of the bill, usually a formality, was decried by one Topeka legislator.

Sen. Vicki Schmidt, R-Topeka, opposed the bill’s entry on the calendar, saying, "It costs a lot of money to introduce a bill."

Schmidt, a pharmacist, said it’s difficult to ensure the same amount of marijuana is distributed to each patient. She added that the bill violates federal law.

The bill is expected to receive a hearing in mid-February.

More news to come as this bill is heard on the floor.

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