timiscute

Medical marijuana bill fails in New Hampshire
10/9/09 | Boston.com | Norma Love

CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire fell two votes short yesterday of becoming the 14th state to legalize marijuana use by severely ill people after the state Senate failed to override Governor John Lynch’s veto.

The Senate’s 14-10 vote did not reach the two-thirds needed for passage. Earlier in the day the House voted 240-115 to pass the bill over Lynch’s objections.

Lynch cited concerns over cultivation, distribution, and the potential for abuse. He also said the bill did not clearly restrict marijuana use to people with severe pain, seizures, or nausea.

The bill would have established three nonprofit “compassion centers’’ to dispense 2 ounces of marijuana every 10 days to severely ill patients whose doctors approve the drug’s use. The state would have licensed the centers and issued identification cards to their staff, approved patients, and care- givers.

Supporters said that the bill would provide relief to people with chronic or terminal illnesses.

“This is a bill about compassion. It is about using a drug that is relatively safe,’’ said Senator Peggy Gilmour, Democrat of Hollis. “It is up to 16 of us to look at those who suffer and say, ‘I understand and I will help.’ ’’

Opponents said the bill would invite abuse.

“This is a terrible message to send to our children,’’ said Senator Robert Letourneau, Republican of Derry.

Critics in the House contended that a provision prohibiting workplace discrimination against users created a public safety issue for firefighters, police, and others.

“We should err on the side of caution,’’ said Representative Shawn Jasper, Republican of Hudson.

After the vote, the bill’s prime sponsor, Representative Evalyn Merrick, said she will refile the bill for the 2011 legislative session after next year’s election, which will change the makeup of both chambers.

Merrick, a Lancaster Democrat, said she did not expect to make major changes.

“We addressed all the concerns in the governor’s veto message already,’’ she said.

Lynch, who is expected to run for reelection, reiterated his opposition last week after US Attorney John Kacavas said he would not prosecute people using small amounts for pain or to improve their appetite. Kacavas said his office would focus on drug dealers.

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BillieBudd

God forbid there be "abuse" in the state that advertises its cheaper liquor to those in Massachusetts and to all the families that come for that "Live Free or Die" experience

dj Dozhe

Evidently the motto needs to be changed to:
"Live Free or Err on The Side of Un-Founded Caution"

or

"Live Free if We Can Get Two More Votes"

or

"Our Motto is Bullshit"

Why can't "Live Free or Die" be "Live Free and High" ? Better luck next time NH!

MetallicaFan495

Well it sounds like it was close. I still dont understand how someone could look at a dying cancer patient going through chemotherapy and still act like they are drug abusers. How sick is that?

dj Dozhe

How about the idea of someone looking at a cancer patient and saying "I'd give you some marijuana, but that's way to dangerous. Take this oxycontin instead. Way safer."

MetallicaFan495

Yes.

Kushy

What exactly is the "safe side of caution", Mr. Jasper? If erring on the safe side of caution is you keeping a sick person from having safe access to their medicine, then you're just a fucking idiot.

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Finally de' herbs come around

Gee

“This is a terrible message to send to our children,’’ said Senator Robert Letourneau, Republican of Derry.

Denying terminally ill people a god given right to treat themselves is even more a terrible message to send to children don't ya think??!?!?

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Legalize Cannabis and live Life in High Definition

kevstermon

It appears that the Gov accepted over $100,000 in campaign contributions from the Health sector in 2006, the last year statistics are availible from Project Vote Smart([url=http://www.projectvotesmart.org] and more than that from unspecified lawyers and lobbyists. His wife is a Pediatrician and one wonders what sort of Pharmaceutical Company influence may exist there? Just a thought.

l No l FeaR l

I know it's like it's perfectly acceptable to use these "medicines" the government cooks up by throwing a bunch of ingredients and chemicals in that have like a dozen equally bad or worse side effects but yet using a naturally growing plant that is practically harmless with only hunger, happines, and drowsiness being about the only side effects is "a terrible message to send to our children"

I laugh at the ignorance

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Peace, Love & Weed