Recall Effort Against Sen. Kimberly Yee Over Medical Pot Ends

[The General]

Arizona - Medical-marijuana advocates have ended an effort to recall Republican state Sen. Kimberly Yee of Phoenix, whom they blame for blocking legislation last session that could have funded research on the drug's effects on post-traumatic stress disorder. Daron Babin, a spokesman for the Arizona Veteran's Assistance Committee, told The Arizona Republic the group withdrew its recall effort Thursday morning. He said Yee has committed to building a bi-partisan coalition to craft legislation next session that would allow funding for the study of cannabis as a treatment to various ailments.

Babin said the group has been assured by Yee's attorney, Mike Liburdi, that Yee was committed to work with medical marijuana advocates on the issue. "Our overall goal was really to educate her on our position … that there are brave men and women that have fought bravely for this country and really are left out to dry on their own because they're prescribed pharmaceuticals that really do not help them," Babin said. But Liburdi disputed there was an agreement between Yee and the group regarding future studies of medical marijuana: "They've cherry picked statements that I've made in the context of an overall discussion that was in a different context," Liburdi said.

He added: "What they're doing now is trying to capitalize on selected statements and they're drawing false conclusions. And they're wrong. There is no agreement to do anything." Liburdi said Yee would soon issue a statement on the matter. Last legislative session, Yee would not allow a hearing of House Bill 2333, which would have allowed medical-marijuana cardholder fees to fund a University of Arizona study to determine how medical pot would affect veterans with PTSD.

Veterans have tried to persuade the Arizona Department of Health Services, which oversees the state's medical-marijuana program, to add PTSD to the list of qualifying conditions. State health officials have refused to add the medical condition, saying there is inadequate research about marijuana's effects on PTSD. The UA study, spearheaded by Dr. Sue Sisley, has been approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Sisley, a vocal advocate for medical marijuana in treating veterans, hoped to finance part of the study with state money.

The Arizona Veterans Assistance Committee filed recall-petition paperwork in April with the Secretary of State's Office. The committee needs to gather 18,297 signatures by Aug. 2 to qualify for the ballot. The committee is backed by Arizona's chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. HB 2333 bill had overwhelming support from the Arizona House of Representatives, passing on a 52-5 vote. It was then assigned to the Senate Education Committee, which Yee chairs. Yee blocked the bill, saying she refused to place it on her panel's agenda because of "significant concerns" voiced by the Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys Advisory Council.

News Moderator - The General @ 420 MAGAZINE ®
Source: Azcentral.com
Author: Yvonne Wingett Sanchez
Contact: Contacting Republic Media | AZ Central
Website: Insider: Recall effort against Sen. Kimberly Yee over medical pot ends

 

[painkills2]

"State health officials have refused to add the medical condition, saying there is inadequate research about marijuana's effects on PTSD."

I'm not sure how Arizona defines "inadequate," but perhaps health officials in that state are not aware of the study that was done on medical cannabis patients in New Mexico?

From the Abstract: "The purpose of the study was to report and statistically analyze psychometric data on PTSD symptoms collected during 80 psychiatric evaluations of patients applying to the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program from 2009 to 2011."

"Results: Greater than 75% reduction in CAPS symptom scores were reported when patients were using cannabis compared to when they were not."

Also, I just want to take this time to say thanks to veterans who work so hard at providing access for all MMJ patients. I have found that politicians have a hard time refusing veterans, so I really appreciate veterans who have the willingness, patience, and fortitude to take our fight directly to those in the political arena.

And while I am not a military veteran, I do consider myself a veteran chronic pain patient, and I know there are plenty of veteran marijuana activists. Have a nice holiday weekend to all.

 

[hempaz]

What a brat!

 

[painkills2]

Hempaz: Expand your vocabulary! (If you can.)

 

[hempaz]

I did...but, you all deleted my succinct assessment! I think Ms Yee represents the Fountain Hills area on one chamber or the other in the Arizona State legislature. And, that's Sheriff Joe's neighborhood...Fountain Hills aka 'The Vortex'. The dispensary cartel and the all-empowering Arizona Dept of Health and Human Services have rescinded the authority to cultivate for those patients within 25 miles of a dispensary front door. Why would Yee and her conservative cronies agree to expand the Arizona AMMA of 2010 in any way shape or form? Obfuscate, obfuscate, obfuscate...that is their idea of 'compromise'. Intransigent elefantes. All of 'em. Every single one. PTSD? Soldiers? Only if it suits their re-election campaign. Have you donated yet?

 

[painkills2]

My understanding is that a lawsuit may be filed to keep the new personal growing regulations from going into effect in Arizona, like in Canada. Let's hope that happens...

 

[hempaz]

Yes...good point RE: "the new personal growing regulations".

Unfortunately, counsel for the plaintiff(s) has not yet elevated an appeal of the already rendered lower court decision to NOT consider an "authority to cultivate" as originally granted by the Arizona Dept of Health and Human Services as "constitutional".

If you re-up your #MedMj green card in the State of Arizona, and the address that you put down is deemed to be within 25 miles of a regulated #MedMj dispensary, then your implicit AMMA of 2010 "authority to cultivate" is hereby rescinded.

If you fail to pay another annual fee to the Dept of Health and Human Services, then your "authority to cultivate" is hereby rescinded.

Plus, if you turn in your original "authority to cultivate" green card at the time of your annual re-up, your original card will be destroyed and replaced with a card that states "NO authority to cultivate".

To me, it's all a matter of semantics, but with the recent vote by the US Congress to NOT go after #MedMj patients and their care providers in those states such as Arizona that have enacted strict regimes for cultivating, breeding, and consumption of cannabuds, how can one complain too vociferously.

Unless, of course, you are a "Barry Goldwater" libertarian masquerading as a Republican.

Then, you want the WHOLE enchilada.

And, you want the government to stay the f'ck out of our gardens!

Period.