Pubdate: Wed, 11 May 2011
Source: Newark Post (DE)
Copyright: 2011 Newark Post
Contact: http://www.newarkpostonline.com/forms/letters/
Website: http://www.newarkpostonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1013

MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILL PASSES SENATE

In a lopsided 17-4 vote, the Delaware State Senate gave a final OK to
a House-revised version of the medical marijuana bill and sent it to
Gov. Jack Markell. "I'm grateful that my fellow senators have acted in
the interest of our fellow citizens who are suffering terribly from
some horrific diseases," said Senate Majority Whip Margaret Rose
Henry, D-Wilmington East. "I am grateful to Gov. Markell for his
support of this legislation."

Markell praised Henry for her leadership on the issue.

"I've heard from so many people who are suffering from things, like
cancer, that Margaret Rose Henry's bill would be very helpful," said
Gov. Jack Markell. "I think she deserves a lot of credit for pushing
it." Under the bill, people 18 years of age or older who are suffering
from chronic or debilitating conditions, such as cancer, AIDS or
multiple sclerosis or are suffering ill effects from chemotherapy
would be eligible to use medical marijuana - if their doctor believes
it would ease their suffering and other treatment options have proven
ineffective.

The bill contains safeguards aimed at curbing what is known as "doctor
shopping" by requiring doctors who recommend marijuana as a treatment
to have a longstanding relationship with their patients.

Starting next year, patients, or their designated caregivers, would
obtain the drug at one of three compassion centers authorized in the
bill. Those centers would be operated as non-profits and would be
tightly regulated by the state. The bill also authorizes the
establishment of labs that would certify that the marijuana has not
been tainted by dangerous chemicals. Patients would be able to receive
up to 6 ounces of marijuana monthly.

The House further tightened the bill by requiring compassion centers
distribute the marijuana in tamper-proof containers and by
specifically banning its use in vehicles.

Noah Mamber of the National Marijuana Policy Project, which lobbies
for medical marijuana laws around the country, said the legislation
sets a standard for other states to copy.

"This is one of the most comprehensive, most tightly regulated laws in
the country," he said. "It's incredibly thoughtful and forward
thinking. I think the nation will look to us in the future as a model
bill." 
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MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.