Pubdate: Fri, 16 Jan 2015
Source: Wichita Eagle (KS)
Copyright: 2015 The Wichita Eagle
Contact: http://www.kansas.com/604
Website: http://www.kansas.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/680
Author: Bryan Lowry

KANSAS SENATOR: LEGALIZED MEDICAL MARIJUANA IS INEVITABLE

Legalization of medical marijuana in Kansas is inevitable, Sen. David 
Haley told a crowd of about 30 supporters at a rally in the rotunda 
of the Capitol on Thursday afternoon.

Haley, D-Kansas City, and Rep. Gail Finney, D-Wichita, have 
introduced companion bills in the House and Senate, SB 9 and HB 2011, 
that would allow medicinal use of marijuana.

Haley pointed out that 23 states and the District of Columbia have 
already approved medical marijuana.

"We have to get this done," Haley said. "Everyone in this Capitol 
knows that one day, one day, medical marijuana will be available in 
every one of the 50 states. We know that. The question is ... will 
Kansas be the 24th state or the 50th?"

Haley called medical marijuana common sense. He and Finney have 
introduced the legislation every year since 2009 and in previous 
years have struggled to find any support, but this year they're a bit 
more optimistic. Haley noted that the policy would receive an 
informational hearing next week.

Finney said legalizing medical marijuana and taxing it would generate 
an additional $1.3 million in revenue for the state.

They have at least one Republican lawmaker on board. Rep. J. Basil 
Dannebohm, R-Ellinwood, spoke in favor of the legislation at the 
rally. Dannenbohm, a freshman Republican, said one of his 
constituents has a child who suffers seizures who could be helped by 
medical marijuana.

"I don't know if it's breaking party lines. I don't know if this is a 
party issue. You know I had a young constituent come to me with a son 
. who has 30 seizures a day. They've tried everything," he said. "A 
child deserves to live a semi-normal life. How can I in good 
conscience not at least explore the opportunity?"

"It's about getting voices heard. It's about getting the data. It's 
about getting over the stigma. I mean, my goodness gracious, alcohol 
was considered evil for quite a time in Kansas history," Dannebohm 
said. "Let's start a dialogue. Let's start a conversation."

A few other Republican lawmakers observed the rally and said they 
were keeping open minds. Rep. Steve Anthimides, R-Wichita, said he 
would welcome a hearing on the issue, and Rep. Joseph Scapa, 
R-Wichita, said he opposes recreational use of marijuana but is 
interested in learning more about medical uses.

The bill will still face an uphill battle. House Speaker Ray Merrick, 
R-Stilwell, and Senate President Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, have both 
voiced opposition to medical marijuana in the past.

David Mulford, a 56-year-old Hutchinson resident, said he already 
uses marijuana for medicinal purposes and credits it with saving his life.

"I'm here today because of it. Since the '80s I've suffered from 
massive debilitating muscle spasms. ... Those spasms, the only thing 
that would stop them was cannabis and it's just been a miracle," said 
Mulford, who suffers from cardiovascular spasmic angina and uses a wheelchair.

"What this does, though, is let me live a life that's not totally 
encumbered by pain," Mulford said.

Jennifer Winn, who is mounting a campaign for mayor of Wichita after 
previously running for governor, also attended the event.

Haley and Finney were presented with green felt M's from Esau 
Freeman, a Wichita activist, in recognition of their commitment to the issue.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom