Pubdate: Wed, 01 Feb 2006
Source: Albuquerque Journal (NM)
Copyright: 2006 Albuquerque Journal
Contact:  http://www.abqjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/10
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

GOV. SUPPORTS MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILL

SANTA FE -- Gov. Bill Richardson expressed support Wednesday for a 
Senate-passed bill to legalize the medical use of marijuana.

Richardson said he would sign the legislation if it received final 
approval from the Legislature. The bill still must pass the House.

The measure would allow the use of marijuana for patients seriously 
ill with cancer, AIDS and some other illnesses.

"I think it will ease a lot of pain for a lot of people," Richardson said.

The bill has "strong safeguards," the governor said.

Under the Senate-passed measure, the Health Department would 
establish a system for patients to obtain marijuana. Patients could 
not grow it themselves. The agency would be responsible for licensing 
marijuana providers or marijuana-growing facilities.

A doctor or other health care provider would certify to the 
department that someone suffers from a qualifying illness, including 
cancer, glaucoma, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, HIV-AIDS and certain 
spinal cord injuries.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman