Medical marijuana still rolling

Posted at 12:00 PM on March 10, 2009 by Tim Pugmire (8 Comments)

A bill to allow the medical use of marijuana in Minnesota cleared another committee in the state Senate today.

The Senate Health and Human Services Budget Division advanced the measure on a divided voice vote. Under the bill, doctors could prescribe marijuana to qualified patients for the treatment of a debilitating medical condition. Sen. Steve Murphy, DFL-Red Wing, the bill's chief author, explained that patients could buy marijuana from registered suppliers, or they could grow their own. But Murphy said the state would not test the strength of those plants.

"I don't know how you answer the question of content, THC content, of the product without testing every plant that's grown," Murphy said. "Now, I don't think that that is a responsible thing for us to do. One, the cost would be astronomical. Two, you don't need to because once again this is not one of those heavy narcotics that kills people."

The same bill is also advancing in the Minnesota House. But Governor Tim Pawlenty has said he remains firmly opposed to the measure.

Comments (8)

Govenor tim pawlenty in the words of one of your states favorite sons bob dylan you better start swimming or youll sink like a stone for the times they are a changing

Posted by gary | March 10, 2009 3:01 PM

We don't even need Pawlenty to make it law. He can make it law without signing the bill. He is worried about what people in his church may think of him. It is selfish to deny people a proper quality of life, to save face.

Posted by Ron | March 10, 2009 11:41 PM

This came up as a "lightening round" question on Almanac in 2002, and Pawlenty said he opposed it back then. There's no chance he'll change his mind because he's running for President. How would he explain it to Republican activists in Iowa and South Carolina?

On the other hand, maybe protesters could show up outside his office with signs saying "Pawlenty: Sign the bill! NH has a libertarian streak!" It would be the only shot at convincing him. Might be a bit wordy for a poster, though.

Posted by Chris | March 11, 2009 1:10 AM

My protest sign says "TIM, PLEASE STOP BEING A DUMB ASS". You won't be the Governor forever, but while you are, it is your duty to represent the best interests of the people. VOTE WITH THE PEOPLE. That's your job dummy.
You think you know better then the voters all the sudden? Well fat chance playing Candidate 2012. TIM, you should avail yourself of those insider fantasies they feed you to fuel your obedience. Forget about your fantasy land political carer! Wake up and be a true leader.
SIGN THE BILL.

Posted by Mary Jane | March 11, 2009 1:19 AM

Although cannabis was a medicinal plant for thousands of years, its medical use was suppressed and banned throughout most of the 20th century in the US. During this time, major scientific breakthroughs were made in Israel, Spain, Italy and Brazil. These breakthroughs are propelling the natural plant compounds called cannabinoids into the "wonder drugs of the 21st century".

13 states have already legalized medical cannabis.

More on this topic...
Cannabis, Miracle Drug of the 21st Century

Jeffrey Dach MD

Posted by jeffrey dach md | March 11, 2009 8:37 AM

Minnesota has the choice between either spending $20,000 a year to lock up a medical marijuana user or collecting sales tax on the individual's purchase of this widely used, relatively safe product.
If it's grow-your-own, consider a $100 per year permit for a dozen plants.
It's time to put the criminal drug dealers out of business and let ordinary Americans grow a little marijuana in their own back yards.

Posted by Conservative Christian | March 11, 2009 2:59 PM

My sign would say, Tim you you put our state billions in debt, don't turn you back on a new source of taxes, and the chance to unclog our courts, free up law enforcment for real crimes,send dope dealers packing, and don't forget what legelizing marijuana is for, to help ease PAIN, your career and what people will think of you later is a poor reason not to help thousands of sick people, I think if you don't pass this bill you are a very bad leader. A very bad man.

Posted by GrannyG | March 11, 2009 9:48 PM

Governor Pawlenty needs to stop holding this bill over the heads of the sick and dying. He is acting like he thinks HE is GOD, instead of following the word of God.
Law enforcement is not a doctor or researcher, Mr. Pawlenty. Your ears are open to the wrong special interest groups. Stop trying to further your own political career on the backs of the sick and dying. There is no "tough on crime" message that is being sent. Minnesota has already been decriminalized since the early 70's when it comes to possession. It's absolutely backwards and cruel that you would force families to break the law to aid their ailing family members when this isn't even a law enforcement priority to begin with.

Your position is very transparent, Governor Pawlenty. The people of Minnesota support the rights of the sick and dying. They'll also support other candidates when re-election time comes. Listen to the people, and more importantly, the sick and dying. It's the right thing to do.

Posted by crohnsguy | March 17, 2009 11:42 AM

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