This bill does not legalize the recreational use of marijuana but rather allows doctors to prescribe marijuana as a medicine to patients. Senator Rory Respcio introduced bill 420 at 420 pm this afternoon. The compassionate healthcare act of 2010 would legalize the use of medicinal marijuana. The number 420 is a number used by marijuana enthusiasts worldwide. It's meaning and the origin of the word is debatable. Generally it refers to a sort of universal time to smoke weed but in this case Respcio says it's represents the legalization movement. "4:20 the significance behind it was the whole movement of the legalization of marijuana in the united states but our bill 420 simply calls for allowing marijuana uses for medicinal purposes but the correlation is that it's still a movement."
A movement that the senator hopes will allow those who really need the plant as a form of medicine to get the treatment they need. In fact Respicio hopes to get the medical community behind his bill saying that even Dr. Thomas Shieh remains open to the idea. "He's committed to bringing this bill before other doctors but people just need to understand that this bill will not allow for recreational drug use," explained the senator. Instead they will establish compassionate health care centers which will be in charge of providing medicinal marijuana to those with prescriptions. Where will all the weed come from? Well it can't come from off-island because federal laws prohibit the importation.
Instead Respicio says compassionate health care centers will essentially be licenced growers. This means more of the money will stay on Guam and it could potentially create another industry. They won't be the only ones allowed to grow though. In fact anyone with a prescription will be allowed to grow up to three plants. The bill also removes criminal penalties for anyone in possession of an ounce or less. Respicio says that the bill is far from perfect and he knows the it will probably go through some changes as it goes through the legislative process. This is something he welcomes as he calls upon members of community as a whole to review his bill and provide their input.
NewsHawk: Ganjarden: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: Pacific News Center
Author: Clynt Ridgell
Copyright: 2010 Pacific News Center
A movement that the senator hopes will allow those who really need the plant as a form of medicine to get the treatment they need. In fact Respicio hopes to get the medical community behind his bill saying that even Dr. Thomas Shieh remains open to the idea. "He's committed to bringing this bill before other doctors but people just need to understand that this bill will not allow for recreational drug use," explained the senator. Instead they will establish compassionate health care centers which will be in charge of providing medicinal marijuana to those with prescriptions. Where will all the weed come from? Well it can't come from off-island because federal laws prohibit the importation.
Instead Respicio says compassionate health care centers will essentially be licenced growers. This means more of the money will stay on Guam and it could potentially create another industry. They won't be the only ones allowed to grow though. In fact anyone with a prescription will be allowed to grow up to three plants. The bill also removes criminal penalties for anyone in possession of an ounce or less. Respicio says that the bill is far from perfect and he knows the it will probably go through some changes as it goes through the legislative process. This is something he welcomes as he calls upon members of community as a whole to review his bill and provide their input.
NewsHawk: Ganjarden: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: Pacific News Center
Author: Clynt Ridgell
Copyright: 2010 Pacific News Center
