Jacob Redmond
Well-Known Member
After a bill to legalize medical marijuana in North Dakota was snuffed out in the House last month, some lawmakers who still want to study the issue encountered a setback on Tuesday.
Rep. Gail Mooney, D-Cummings, is the prime sponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 3059, which would require an interim legislative study in 2015-2016 on legalizing medical marijuana for those with serious medical conditions.
"Without this, we leave ourselves open to an initiated measure and the resulting outcomes and consequences," she told the House Human Services Committee.
The committee voted 7-6 to recommend against the resolution's passage when it reaches the full House.
Mooney said the bipartisan resolution was prompted by the defeat of House Bill 1430 by a 26-67 vote Feb. 18.
Despite the bill's death — opponents said it was premature and carried too many risks that outweighed the potential benefits — debate continues over legalizing marijuana, she said.
The study would look at the regulation, distribution, enforcement and taxing of medical marijuana.
Mooney suggested an amendment that would focus the study only on the cannabidiol (CBD) component of marijuana, potentially avoiding many of the complications that stem from its psychoactive component, tetrahydrocannabinol.
Rep. Todd Porter, R-Mandan, who made the motion for the do-not-pass recommendation, said with drug companies already doing federally-approved research on CBD products, "I'm wondering what the purpose of the study is."
Mooney urged a proactive approach by lawmakers instead of waiting for federal action or an initiated measure, noting that of the 23 states that have legalized medical marijuana — including neighboring Minnesota and Montana — 11 did so through ballot measures. She also pointed out that a medical marijuana dispensary is expected to open this summer in Moorhead, Minn., across the border from Fargo.
Jennifer Chevalier, a senior nursing student at Minot State University and co-author of a study published last fall on the public health implications of legalizing marijuana in North Dakota, said marijuana has been shown to be an effective and safe treatment for various medical conditions including chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, epilepsy and cancer.
But to implement it safely and effectively, "further study and research is vital," Chevalier said. The proposed study would help ensure that state officials, law enforcement and medical professionals have up-to-date and factual information about the consequences of medical marijuana, she said.
No one testified against the study.
The do-not-pass recommendation was supported by seven Republicans and opposed by three Democrats and three Republicans, including the committee's chairman, Rep. Robin Weisz, R-Hurdsfield.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Committee votes against study on legalizing medical marijuana in N.D. | Grand Forks Herald
Author: Mike Nowatzki
Contact: Contact Us | Grand Forks Herald
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: Grand Forks Herald
Rep. Gail Mooney, D-Cummings, is the prime sponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 3059, which would require an interim legislative study in 2015-2016 on legalizing medical marijuana for those with serious medical conditions.
"Without this, we leave ourselves open to an initiated measure and the resulting outcomes and consequences," she told the House Human Services Committee.
The committee voted 7-6 to recommend against the resolution's passage when it reaches the full House.
Mooney said the bipartisan resolution was prompted by the defeat of House Bill 1430 by a 26-67 vote Feb. 18.
Despite the bill's death — opponents said it was premature and carried too many risks that outweighed the potential benefits — debate continues over legalizing marijuana, she said.
The study would look at the regulation, distribution, enforcement and taxing of medical marijuana.
Mooney suggested an amendment that would focus the study only on the cannabidiol (CBD) component of marijuana, potentially avoiding many of the complications that stem from its psychoactive component, tetrahydrocannabinol.
Rep. Todd Porter, R-Mandan, who made the motion for the do-not-pass recommendation, said with drug companies already doing federally-approved research on CBD products, "I'm wondering what the purpose of the study is."
Mooney urged a proactive approach by lawmakers instead of waiting for federal action or an initiated measure, noting that of the 23 states that have legalized medical marijuana — including neighboring Minnesota and Montana — 11 did so through ballot measures. She also pointed out that a medical marijuana dispensary is expected to open this summer in Moorhead, Minn., across the border from Fargo.
Jennifer Chevalier, a senior nursing student at Minot State University and co-author of a study published last fall on the public health implications of legalizing marijuana in North Dakota, said marijuana has been shown to be an effective and safe treatment for various medical conditions including chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, epilepsy and cancer.
But to implement it safely and effectively, "further study and research is vital," Chevalier said. The proposed study would help ensure that state officials, law enforcement and medical professionals have up-to-date and factual information about the consequences of medical marijuana, she said.
No one testified against the study.
The do-not-pass recommendation was supported by seven Republicans and opposed by three Democrats and three Republicans, including the committee's chairman, Rep. Robin Weisz, R-Hurdsfield.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Committee votes against study on legalizing medical marijuana in N.D. | Grand Forks Herald
Author: Mike Nowatzki
Contact: Contact Us | Grand Forks Herald
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: Grand Forks Herald
