Missouri lawmakers are considering a bill that would legalize medical marijuana in the state.
The bill, HB 1554, still faces some hurdles as it makes its way through the state house.
Rep. Dr. Jim Neely from Cameron introduced the bill.
“One of your goals is to provide comfort to people and that’s what we’re trying to accomplish with this legislation,” Neely told 41 Action News Tuesday.
If the bill passes, individuals over the age of 18 with a terminal or debilitating illness like Alzheimer’s, cancer, and PTSD would have access to smokeless medical marijuana.
“I’ve been the medical director of a couple of hospice agencies, and I’ve had nurses that would tell me you know that sometimes on our comfort meds, it’s a challenge and maybe the medical marijuana might be a better approach,” Neely said.
Lawmakers against the bill say marijuana remains illegal under federal law.
“We’re just piggybacking on what other states have done from a medical marijuana perspective,” Neely said.
The bill needs another vote in the House before it heads to the Senate.
“It takes some time, but let’s help some people with some of their hurts of life,” Neely said.
