medicinal marijuana in Missouri

<big>this is for those who don't already know


Missouri Medical Marijuana Bill Introduced!

Marijuana Policy Project Alert: Missouri February 7, 2008


Medical marijuana bill introduced in Missouri with record number of sponsors!
New referendum provision may garner additional support - act today to move this legislation forward!
Two things are special about this year's medical marijuana bill. One is the record number of sponsors. This year, four new legislators have signed on to the medical marijuana bill - HB 1830 - for a total of eleven sponsors. The other aspect is a compromise provision that would put the matter to the voters once the legislature approves.

We already know that the majority of Missourians support safe access for sick and dying patients. The voter referendum provision, however, will give wavering legislators comfort and assurance. This may change the entire context of the issue by making it easier for some legislators to support the bill.

HB 1830 is similar to the medical marijuana laws that have been passed by other states in recent years. As in MPP's model bill, patients would be required to obtain a written recommendation from their doctor before they can apply for an ID card from the state. Registered organizations would also be allowed to provide patients with medical marijuana.

Below is a breakdown of bill specifics. After learning about the bill, keep reading to find out what you can do to help.

Possession limits

Three mature and four immature plants, which are defined, and one ounce of marijuana.

If a patient is found to be in possession of more than these amounts, but not more than is reasonably necessary to ensure the uninterrupted availability of marijuana for the purpose of alleviating the symptoms or effects of the person's medical condition, an affirmative defense is available.

Qualifying conditions

Qualifying conditions include: cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, severe migraines, and multiple sclerosis.

Patients could also qualify for the state's medical marijuana program if they are engaged in treatment that produces one or more of the following: cachexia or wasting syndrome; severe pain; severe nausea; anorexia; seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy; or severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis (MS), Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS), or Crohn's disease.

Protections

The bill protects patients, caregivers, and doctors from arrest, prosecution, and other penalties.

Caregivers are only protected if it is impracticable for a patient to obtain their medicine and the caregiver's help is necessary.

Patients who have not registered with the state as a medical marijuana patient, but could qualify, have a medical necessity defense available.

A patient's right to be employed is also protected.


Search and seizure

Protects patients' medical marijuana property from seizure, and if property is seized, then law enforcement must maintain it until it is returned to the patient.

How you can help:
Below are several ways you can help make this year's medical marijuana bill a success. Please take a few minutes to do everything you can, then pass this on to others so they can do the same.

1

The medical marijuana bill stalled last year because Speaker of the House Rod Jetton (R-Marble Hill) never assigned it to committee, where it could receive a proper hearing. Please send Rep. Jetton an e-mail today kindly asking him to assign the medical marijuana bill to committee this year.


2

After you have emailed Rep. Jetton, please send your state legislators an e-mail asking them to support HB 1830.


3

You can also write an LTE in support of medical marijuana, which is an excellent way to draw attention to this issue. Please use the talking points that we have provided as a starting point for your own letter, keep it short, and check you spelling before sending. If you would like help composing your letter, please e-mail MPP Legislative Analyst Nathan Miller at Nathan@mpp.org.

4

Another good way to open up the discussion about medical marijuana in Jefferson City is to utilize the airwaves. Please download and share MPP's public service announcements with radio stations that might be interested in airing these educational and entertaining messages.

5

If you or anyone you know needs help understanding the issues involved with medical marijuana, please download some of our brochures and handouts. These are great materials to leave with your lawmaker, physician, or law enforcement official who might need a little educating on the subject.

Thank you for supporting the Marijuana Policy Project and all of our allies. Be sure to pass this message to your friends, family, and neighbors in Missouri. For news about marijuana policy reform in Missouri, please visit www.mpp.org/states/missouri or e-mail Nathan@mpp.org.

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