[Medpatient]

Medical marijuana bill wins final approval in legislature
By STEPHEN SINGER
Associated Press Writer

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June 1, 2007, 10:46 PM EDT
HARTFORD, Conn. -- A measure legalizing medicinal marijuana won final legislative approval in the state Senate Friday night, capping a five-year struggle that pitted broader patients' rights against concerns of easier access to an illicit drug.

The bill, which was approved 23-13, now heads to Gov. M. Jodi Rell, who has said she has mixed feelings about the measure. A spokesman said Friday she has not yet made a decision.

The state House of Representatives approved the measure on May 23.

Sen. Andrew McDonald, co-chairman of the General Assembly's Judiciary Committee, steered the bill to Senate approval. The measure has taken a "long odyssey through almost every committee of the legislature," McDonald, D-Stamford, told colleagues.

The legislation would allow residents older than 18 with specific debilitating medical conditions diagnosed by a physician to cultivate and use marijuana to relieve symptoms. Patients with written certification from their physicians would have to register with the Department of Consumer Protection.

The patient and the primary caregiver would be limited to growing no more than four plants, each having a maximum height of four feet, in an indoor, secure facility.

Supporters say the measure would protect people who try to obtain marijuana to help stem the effects of diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis.

"Is there anything we would begrudge our brothers and sisters as they face those terrible diseases?" asked Sen. John McKinney, R-Fairfield. "What would I do for someone I love if they were facing the harrowing future of a debilitating disease and it really was up in the air if they'd survive or not?"

Opponents said the legislation undermines anti-drug efforts, particularly in reaching youngsters.

"We'll be sending a mixed message to young people about whether marijuana is good or bad," said Sen. Sam Caligiuri, R-Waterbury. "We're going to undercut our ability to keep children away from this gateway drug."

Sen. William Nickerson, R-Greenwich, told his colleagues that politicians are not experts on whether medical marijuana is safe and effective.

"This politically oriented body should not be the location where this decision is made," he said.

Rell said in March that she has "mixed emotions," citing concerns about the cultivation of marijuana plants, but sympathizing with people in pain.