MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILLS MAKING PROGRESS

Bills that would legalize marijuana for medical purposes are making far more
progress at the Legislature this year than ever before, and are poised for
critical floor votes in the House and Senate next week.

The votes are expected to be close, and if the bills are approved Hawaii
likely will join California, Arizona, Washington, Oregon and Alaska in
approving marijuana for medical uses.

The Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday approved Senate Bill 862, which
would allow people with "debilitating medical conditions" such as cancer,
glaucoma and AIDS to possess a maximum of 10.5 ounces of cannabis for
personal use.

Senate Judiciary Co-Chairman Matt Matsunaga said he is "absolutely"
convinced marijuana has legitimate therapeutic uses.

The House Judiciary Committee already has approved a similar measure, House
Bill 1157, that would allow doctors to recommend marijuana for patients with
debilitating medical conditions.

The House bill would require a doctor to certify in writing that marijuana
is medically necessary for a patient. The drug still would be illegal under
federal law; the bills in the Legislature would permit medical use of
marijuana under state law.

Police and prosecutors have opposed legalizing marijuana for medical
purposes, saying there isn’t enough scientific evidence to justify it. They
point out that THC, the main active ingredient in marijuana, already is
available by prescription.