Robert Celt
New Member
A bill that would expand medical marijuana in Louisiana cleared another hurdle here Monday, moving it one step away from final legislative passage.
Mills' bill would expand the number of conditions that could be treated with the drug, which would be taken orally in an oil form, change the wording from "prescribe" to "recommend" to protect doctors and offer public bids to grow the crop if the LSU and Southern agcenters decline to cultivate it.Members of the House Health and Welfare Committee voted 8-6 in favor of Senate Bill 271 by Fred Mills, R-Parks, after passionate testimony for and against the measure.
Parents like Katie Corkern of Amite pleaded with the committee to support the bill, saying it was the "last hope" for her 9-year-old son Connor, who suffers from a severe form of epilepsy.
"He's been seizing since he was 6 months old and hasn't stopped," said Corkern, whose voice broke with emotion. "We've tried 17 (legal) medications with no success and horrendous side effects. We've watched our friends move out of state and see their success (with medical pot). Connor has run out of options in Louisiana."
But others argued that there is no clear science supporting the effectiveness of medical marijuana, while representatives of the Louisiana sheriffs and district attorneys said Mills' bill was the first step to legalizing all forms of pot.
"I'll be candid," said Mike Stone, Lincoln Parish sheriff and current president of the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association. "This is part of a well financed agenda to pass medical marijuana first and then go to second, third and fourth base. Next year they'll want smokeable (pot)."
Another opponent testified: "What's to say we won't be the next Colorado or Washington?" referring to states that have legalized marijuana.
Mills insisted his bill is full of "stop gaps to prevent abuse."
Supporters like Rep. Kenny Cox, D-Natchitoches, a veteran, actually wanted to amend Mills' bill to expand the conditions that could be treated with the drug, like post traumatic stress syndrome, but withdrew his amendment after it became clear it could kill the bill.
Opponents like Rep. Dodie Horton, R-Haughton, said she believes the bill "is a dangerous step to take."
"I'm not heartless; I'm just cautious," Horton said.
But Mills won the day, at least temporarily. The bill, which has already been approved by the full Senate, now moves to the full House for a chance at final passage.
"We need to give people a chance," Mills said.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Medical Marijuana Moves To Louisiana House
Author: Greg Hilburn
Photo Credit: None found
Website: 4WWL
Mills' bill would expand the number of conditions that could be treated with the drug, which would be taken orally in an oil form, change the wording from "prescribe" to "recommend" to protect doctors and offer public bids to grow the crop if the LSU and Southern agcenters decline to cultivate it.Members of the House Health and Welfare Committee voted 8-6 in favor of Senate Bill 271 by Fred Mills, R-Parks, after passionate testimony for and against the measure.
Parents like Katie Corkern of Amite pleaded with the committee to support the bill, saying it was the "last hope" for her 9-year-old son Connor, who suffers from a severe form of epilepsy.
"He's been seizing since he was 6 months old and hasn't stopped," said Corkern, whose voice broke with emotion. "We've tried 17 (legal) medications with no success and horrendous side effects. We've watched our friends move out of state and see their success (with medical pot). Connor has run out of options in Louisiana."
But others argued that there is no clear science supporting the effectiveness of medical marijuana, while representatives of the Louisiana sheriffs and district attorneys said Mills' bill was the first step to legalizing all forms of pot.
"I'll be candid," said Mike Stone, Lincoln Parish sheriff and current president of the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association. "This is part of a well financed agenda to pass medical marijuana first and then go to second, third and fourth base. Next year they'll want smokeable (pot)."
Another opponent testified: "What's to say we won't be the next Colorado or Washington?" referring to states that have legalized marijuana.
Mills insisted his bill is full of "stop gaps to prevent abuse."
Supporters like Rep. Kenny Cox, D-Natchitoches, a veteran, actually wanted to amend Mills' bill to expand the conditions that could be treated with the drug, like post traumatic stress syndrome, but withdrew his amendment after it became clear it could kill the bill.
Opponents like Rep. Dodie Horton, R-Haughton, said she believes the bill "is a dangerous step to take."
"I'm not heartless; I'm just cautious," Horton said.
But Mills won the day, at least temporarily. The bill, which has already been approved by the full Senate, now moves to the full House for a chance at final passage.
"We need to give people a chance," Mills said.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Medical Marijuana Moves To Louisiana House
Author: Greg Hilburn
Photo Credit: None found
Website: 4WWL
