Medical Marijuana Bill Makes It Way Through MN Legislature

KBJR-TV

Minnesota may soon become the 14th state to legalize marijuana for medical use.
A bill that would legalize the drug for medicinal use is currently making its way through the legislature.

Those that oppose the bill fear the drug could be abused. Supporters say that it should be in the hands of physicians. LeAnn Wallace has the story.

"Permanent pain just controls everything."

5 years ago K.K Forss was driving to the Twin Cities from his home in Ely.

"The disc had burst in my neck and when it did that I guess it caused some permanent damage to my spinal cord."

After multiple surgeries, medications, treatments, and more than 3 years of sleepless nights, Forss says the pain became unbearable.

"I was so tired of just wanting to die and I was so tired of being stuck in bed, not moving, not doing anything, I had no life."

After trying dozens of medications with little success and horrible side effects, Forss says he finally slept through an entire night after experimenting with marijuana with a neighbor.

"Since then I've been able to finally be up and do more things, teaching photography."

Senator John Marty is an author of the bill, which would allow patients or designated caregivers to possess up to 2–point–5 ounces of marijuana and up to 12 plants.

"A lot of people are being tortured with pain and this bill can offer them some relief and we outta give it to them."

The medical community has its supporters as well as its detractors.

The Food and Drug Administration opposes it and the American Cancer Society says the effects of pot are mixed.

The Minnesota Medical Association is neutral.

Doctor George Wagoner of Michigan says marijuana eased his wife's pain as she suffered through chemotherapy.

"This worked as dramatically as any medicine I've seen in 30 years of practice. I think it's unconscionable to have such an effective medicine unavailable for those who can benefit from it."

Police and politicians have historically put their foot down as distribution of pot is against federal law even in states where it is legal.
However, President Barak Obama says he won't interfere with that.

"The bill has already passed through several committees and lawmakers say it has a decent chance of passing if Governor Pawlenty doesn't veto it. In Saint Paul, LeAnn Wallace, the Northland's News Center."

Governor Pawlenty says he will VETO the bill if law enforcement still opposes it.

Date: 03/27/09