Pubdate: Tue, 25 Apr 2000
Source: Honolulu Star-Bulletin (HI)
Copyright: 2000 Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Contact:  P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu, Hawaii 96802
Fax: (808) 523-8509
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Author: Richard Borreca, Star-Bulletin
Note: SB862 SD2 HD1 passed the State Senate this afternoon with a vote of 
15-10.  This was the last vote necessary before it goes to the 
governor.  It is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Ben Cayetano, as he 
has been a strong supporter of medical marijuana in Hawaii.

SENATE EXPECTED TO APPROVE AMENDED MARIJUANA BILL

Hawaii's Legislature is one vote away from legalizing the medical use of 
marijuana.

Leaders in the state Senate yesterday announced that the Senate Health 
Committee would agree to amendments made in the bill by the state House. 
The action clears the way for the Senate to vote, as early as today, to 
approve the measure.

The bill cleared the Senate several weeks ago on a 13-12 vote.

But Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland yesterday predicted the bill would win final 
approval in the Senate.

"It will be close; there is some objections in the Senate, but the House 
bill handles many of the concerns," she said.

The bill is opposed by Hawaii's law enforcement community, which points out 
that marijuana possession is against federal law and cannot be prescribed.

If the Senate does approve the bill, it is likely to be approved by Gov. 
Ben Cayetano because he has been a strong proponent of using the drug for 
those with serious or terminal illnesses.

Under the Hawaii plan, which is similar to the one adopted in Oregon, 
authorized patients would have to grow their own marijuana.

Conditions that would allow marijuana to be prescribed include: cancer, 
glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, chronic conditions such as epileptic seizures, or 
muscle spasms characteristic of multiple sclerosis or Crohn's disease.
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