Jacob Redmond
Well-Known Member
Legislative proposals to legalize marijuana and hemp production will not alter the plans of the best-funded group pursuing an initiative petition for medical marijuana.
New Approach Missouri, which has raised more than $125,000 for its campaign, would be happy to support a proposal that mirrors its initiative but can't rely on lawmakers passing an acceptable plan, spokesman Jack Cardetti said.
"Illinois went through the legislature, and they had to make so many compromises that now they have implemented a law that affects only 3,500 patients," he said.
There are seven proposals filed in the General Assembly so far that would change state laws governing cannabis production and use. Sen. Jason Holsman, D-Kansas City, filed the New Approach Missouri initiative as a proposed constitutional amendment.
It might have a chance with lawmakers because attitudes are changing, he said.
"The polling shows the state is ready for medical cannabis," Holsman said. "That is very strong across ideologies and parties. The drop-off is noticeable when you start talking about recreational marijuana, so let's put first things first and let the sick get their medicine."
Medical marijuana is getting bipartisan support from Boone County House members. Speaking at a meeting with University of Missouri retirees, Democratic state Reps. Stephen Webber and Kip Kendrick and Republican Rep. Caleb Rowden endorsed medical marijuana and Rep. Chuck Basye, R-Rocheport, said he would decide when a bill comes up for a vote.
Medical marijuana is legal in 24 states, and recreational marijuana is legal in four states and the District of Columbia. Federal law makes marijuana a Schedule 1 drug, classifying it among the most dangerous substances and making it illegal to possess or use.
The New Approach Missouri initiative would make marijuana available to patients with serious illnesses such as cancer, epilepsy, post-traumatic stress disorder, AIDS and any terminal illness. A 4 percent tax on marijuana sales would be used for veterans' health programs.
Through Sept. 30, the campaign had raised $86,738. The committee has reported one contribution since that time, $40,000 on Dec. 2 from Luke Sinquefield of Pacific Palisades, Calif., son of wealthy conservative activist Rex Sinquefield.
Two bills to legalize recreational marijuana have been filed in Jefferson City, and two initiative campaigns to legalize recreational marijuana are also underway.
Cardetti, a longtime political consultant who has worked with Democrats including Gov. Jay Nixon in the past, said the legislature is not as ready as the public for a vote on marijuana.
"Realistically I think it is still several years away for the legislature passing some of these bills, and there are hundreds of thousands of Missourians with cancer and other illnesses that need relief sooner than that," he said.
That thinking could be tested in January. Senate Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources Committee Chairman Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown, will attend the State Ag and Rural Leaders legislative chairs summit in Denver and tour production and distribution facilities. Marijuana is legal for medical and recreational use in Colorado.
Munzlinger said he opposes legal marijuana for recreational or medical purposes but could be persuaded. "I would definitely have to look hard at it," he said.
Munzlinger filed a bill to create a licensing system for producing hemp and exempting hemp from restrictions on marijuana.
"We do have a lot of uses for industrial hemp in Missouri," Munzlinger said. "Unfortunately it has to be imported."
The politics of cannabis are changing rapidly, Holsman said. Until recently no ambitious politician dared call for legalization, he said.
"Cannabis has now come to the apex of public support where it is almost a detriment to be against it," Holsman said.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: State Considering Legalization As Medical Initiative Moves Forward
Author: Rudi Keller
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: Columbia Tribune
New Approach Missouri, which has raised more than $125,000 for its campaign, would be happy to support a proposal that mirrors its initiative but can't rely on lawmakers passing an acceptable plan, spokesman Jack Cardetti said.
"Illinois went through the legislature, and they had to make so many compromises that now they have implemented a law that affects only 3,500 patients," he said.
There are seven proposals filed in the General Assembly so far that would change state laws governing cannabis production and use. Sen. Jason Holsman, D-Kansas City, filed the New Approach Missouri initiative as a proposed constitutional amendment.
It might have a chance with lawmakers because attitudes are changing, he said.
"The polling shows the state is ready for medical cannabis," Holsman said. "That is very strong across ideologies and parties. The drop-off is noticeable when you start talking about recreational marijuana, so let's put first things first and let the sick get their medicine."
Medical marijuana is getting bipartisan support from Boone County House members. Speaking at a meeting with University of Missouri retirees, Democratic state Reps. Stephen Webber and Kip Kendrick and Republican Rep. Caleb Rowden endorsed medical marijuana and Rep. Chuck Basye, R-Rocheport, said he would decide when a bill comes up for a vote.
Medical marijuana is legal in 24 states, and recreational marijuana is legal in four states and the District of Columbia. Federal law makes marijuana a Schedule 1 drug, classifying it among the most dangerous substances and making it illegal to possess or use.
The New Approach Missouri initiative would make marijuana available to patients with serious illnesses such as cancer, epilepsy, post-traumatic stress disorder, AIDS and any terminal illness. A 4 percent tax on marijuana sales would be used for veterans' health programs.
Through Sept. 30, the campaign had raised $86,738. The committee has reported one contribution since that time, $40,000 on Dec. 2 from Luke Sinquefield of Pacific Palisades, Calif., son of wealthy conservative activist Rex Sinquefield.
Two bills to legalize recreational marijuana have been filed in Jefferson City, and two initiative campaigns to legalize recreational marijuana are also underway.
Cardetti, a longtime political consultant who has worked with Democrats including Gov. Jay Nixon in the past, said the legislature is not as ready as the public for a vote on marijuana.
"Realistically I think it is still several years away for the legislature passing some of these bills, and there are hundreds of thousands of Missourians with cancer and other illnesses that need relief sooner than that," he said.
That thinking could be tested in January. Senate Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources Committee Chairman Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown, will attend the State Ag and Rural Leaders legislative chairs summit in Denver and tour production and distribution facilities. Marijuana is legal for medical and recreational use in Colorado.
Munzlinger said he opposes legal marijuana for recreational or medical purposes but could be persuaded. "I would definitely have to look hard at it," he said.
Munzlinger filed a bill to create a licensing system for producing hemp and exempting hemp from restrictions on marijuana.
"We do have a lot of uses for industrial hemp in Missouri," Munzlinger said. "Unfortunately it has to be imported."
The politics of cannabis are changing rapidly, Holsman said. Until recently no ambitious politician dared call for legalization, he said.
"Cannabis has now come to the apex of public support where it is almost a detriment to be against it," Holsman said.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: State Considering Legalization As Medical Initiative Moves Forward
Author: Rudi Keller
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: Columbia Tribune
