Minnesota Joins 21 states in legalizing medical marijuana but no smoking allowed

[spini4]

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota joined the ranks of 21 other states Thursday where marijuana is a legal medicine with a law that is one of the nation's most restrictive.

Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton signed legislation that sets up a medical marijuana program with tight controls over qualifying conditions and the way it is administered. People won't be able to smoke marijuana legally or access it in leaf form.

"I pray it will bring to the victims of ravaging illnesses the relief they are hoping for," Dayton said in a written statement.

The compromise bill upset some medical marijuana advocates, who say many people who need relief won't get it. But legislative backers say it is a positive first step that satisfied concerns of law enforcement and doctor groups. Dayton had said he wouldn't get behind a bill that those two entities opposed.

Medical conditions eligible for the treatment include cancer, glaucoma and AIDS. A physician assistant or advanced-practice registered nurse would certify a patient suffered from a qualifying illness.

If all goes as planned, the drug will be available in pill, oil and vapor form in mid-2015. Two manufacturing facilities and eight dispensaries will be permitted statewide.

The law sets up a task force to assess the impact of medical cannabis.

Dayton signaled earlier this month that he would sign the bill, but waited as his staff tried to assemble bill sponsors and affected families for a formal ceremony. A ceremony could still occur at a later date.

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/261093071.html

 

[spini4]

Here are the qualifying medical conditions for medical marijuana under new Minnesota law, taken from statute:
(1) cancer, if the underlying condition or treatment produces one or more of the
3.13following:
3.14(i) severe or chronic pain;
3.15(ii) nausea or severe vomiting; or
3.16(iii) cachexia or severe wasting;
3.17(2) glaucoma;
3.18(3) human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome;
3.19(4) Tourette’s syndrome;
3.20(5) amyotrophic lateral sclerosis;
3.21(6) seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy;
3.22(7) severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple
3.23sclerosis;
3.24(8) Crohn’s disease;
3.25(9) terminal illness, with a probable life expectancy of under one year, if the illness
3.26or its treatment produces one or more of the following:
3.27(i) severe or chronic pain;
3.28(ii) nausea or severe vomiting; or
3.29(iii) cachexia or severe wasting; or
3.30(10) any other medical condition or its treatment approved by the commissioner

 

[...]

I foresee an epidemic of Tourette's in Minnesota.

 

[weekend addiction]

At least this is something.