MINNESOTA SENATE APPROVES MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Lingering Doubts About the Potential for Abuse Could Block the Bill
in the House or Draw a Pawlenty Veto.

After a debate pitting compassion for those suffering from the pain
of cancer or HIV-AIDS against concerns about abuse and violence from
expanded availability of a "gateway drug," the Minnesota Senate gave
tentative approval Wednesday to the use of marijuana for medical
purposes in the state.

The 36-28 vote came despite questions about whether the measure fully
defines who would be eligible and whether it provides proper
safeguards against potential abuse.

Law enforcement has consistently opposed medical marijuana, but Sen.
Steve Murphy, DFL-Red Wing, chief author of the bill (S.F. 97), said
during debate that the measure is a medical issue, not one for "our
brothers and sisters in blue."

The Senate has approved medical marijuana legislation in the past,
but it has always stalled in the House. Advocates believe they have
enough votes to pass it there this year, but it seems less likely
they have enough to override any possible veto from Gov. Tim
Pawlenty, who has expressed reservations about the bill. The bill
could be heard on the House floor next week.

"I'm here to tell you there is potential opportunity for abuse here,
and kids are watching to see what we in the Legislature are going to
do," said Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen, R-Alexandria, a former county sheriff.

Sen. Julianne Ortman, R-Chanhassen, said she was concerned that the
supply of marijuana will lead to theft and violence. "Sections of
Minnesota with storefronts in big cities and small cities will have
signs that say marijuana is accessible and for sale," she said.

Thirteen states have passed medical marijuana laws. The Senate's vote
was preliminary but is a good barometer of the outcome of an official
vote, which is likely to come today.