Pubdate: Wed, 11 Mar 2015
Source: Honolulu Star-Advertiser (HI)
Copyright: 2015 Associated Press
Contact: 
http://www.staradvertiser.com/info/Star-Advertiser_Letter_to_the_Editor.html
Website: http://www.staradvertiser.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5154

LAWMAKERS SEEK TO EASE, CLARIFY USE OF MEDICAL POT

WASHINGTON (AP) - Two Democratic senators and a possible Republican 
presidential candidate joined forces Tuesday to push a bill to remove 
federal prohibitions on medical marijuana in 23 states where it's 
already legal.

Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Democrats Kirsten 
Gillibrand of New York and Cory Booker of New Jersey said their 
unusual coalition is a sign of growing acceptance of medical marijuana.

The lawmakers introduced a bill intended to eliminate uncertainty 
surrounding marijuana use in states and the District of Columbia that 
allow it for medicinal purposes. The bill also would allow doctors at 
veterans' hospitals to prescribe pot for medical purposes and allow 
banks to provide checking accounts and other financial services to 
marijuana dispensaries.

If approved, the bill would represent a major shift in congressional 
action on marijuana.

"This bill we are introducing seeks to right decades of wrong and end 
unnecessary marijuana laws," Booker said at a Capitol news conference 
where lawmakers were joined by veterans and other patients who use 
marijuana to relieve pain or suffering. All said they fear 
prosecution if they move to a different state or if the federal 
government decides to crack down on medical marijuana use.

"Our federal government has long overstepped the boundaries of common 
sense, fiscal prudence and compassion with its marijuana laws. These 
laws must change," Booker said.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom