Jacob Bell
New Member
Little Rock, AR - Activists and a handful of lawmakers hope to push a four page bill through the House legalizing medicinal marijuana by the end of the session.
Arkansas legislators could soon be faced with yet another bill that could change Arkansas law as we know it. The Arkansas Medicinal Cannabis Act of 2011, would allow patients to grow and use cannabis for medical purposes.
But would not intend to change current laws governing duty of care owed to others which means people would be held responsible for choices like operating a vehicle.
"We're the natural state. This is a natural medication," says supporter Robert Reed.
For the next two days, activists like Reed, a Vietnam veteran will lobby inside the capitol for the bill.
"It is strictly up to our elected officials," says Reed.
Medical professionals like Lester Grimspoon of Harvard Medical School have been promoting this for years.
"It is useful for treating cancer because many of these people get nauseous. It's a wonderful drug for nausea and pain," says Grimspoon.
Those for the bill claim legalizing the controlled substance could save the country more than $8 billion in government expenditures by cutting down on law enforcement and correction costs.
State senator and cancer survivor Randy Laverty supports legislation, but is concerned fellow lawmakers won't.
Which is why he plans to bypass senate approval for now, saying the bigger challenge lies in the house.
"If my counterparts on the house end think the votes are there, I expect that they'll file the bill," says Laverty.
Now three days into the session, lawmakers have 57 days to decide. If not supporters will find themselves starting from scratch.
News Hawk: GuitarMan313 : 420 MAGAZINE
Source: OzarksFirst.com
Author: B.J. Steed
Contact:todaysthv.com | KTHV | Little Rock, AR - THV Info - Contact Us
Copyright: Copyright ©2011 Arkansas Television Company. All rights reserved.
Website: A push for legalizing medicinal marijuana in Arkansas
Arkansas legislators could soon be faced with yet another bill that could change Arkansas law as we know it. The Arkansas Medicinal Cannabis Act of 2011, would allow patients to grow and use cannabis for medical purposes.
But would not intend to change current laws governing duty of care owed to others which means people would be held responsible for choices like operating a vehicle.
"We're the natural state. This is a natural medication," says supporter Robert Reed.
For the next two days, activists like Reed, a Vietnam veteran will lobby inside the capitol for the bill.
"It is strictly up to our elected officials," says Reed.
Medical professionals like Lester Grimspoon of Harvard Medical School have been promoting this for years.
"It is useful for treating cancer because many of these people get nauseous. It's a wonderful drug for nausea and pain," says Grimspoon.
Those for the bill claim legalizing the controlled substance could save the country more than $8 billion in government expenditures by cutting down on law enforcement and correction costs.
State senator and cancer survivor Randy Laverty supports legislation, but is concerned fellow lawmakers won't.
Which is why he plans to bypass senate approval for now, saying the bigger challenge lies in the house.
"If my counterparts on the house end think the votes are there, I expect that they'll file the bill," says Laverty.
Now three days into the session, lawmakers have 57 days to decide. If not supporters will find themselves starting from scratch.
News Hawk: GuitarMan313 : 420 MAGAZINE
Source: OzarksFirst.com
Author: B.J. Steed
Contact:todaysthv.com | KTHV | Little Rock, AR - THV Info - Contact Us
Copyright: Copyright ©2011 Arkansas Television Company. All rights reserved.
Website: A push for legalizing medicinal marijuana in Arkansas
