HEARING TODAY ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA

The Guam Legislature will hold a public hearing 5 p.m. today on a bill
that would legalize the medicinal use of marijuana, if enacted into
law.

Bill 423, known as the "The Compassionate Health Care Act of 2010,"
was introduced by Sen. Rory Respicio with the intent to help people
who are suffering from debilitating, chronic and painful illnesses and
conditions. According to the bill, licensed physicians authorized to
recommend and prescribe medicinal marijuana to patients would have
patients certified as having a debilitating medical condition register
with the Department of Public Health and Social Services.

As of now, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration categorizes
marijuana as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances
Act. Schedule I drugs are classified as having a high potential for
abuse, according to the DEA's website.

At the bill's last public hearing, Employers Council executive
director Andrew P. Andrus opposed the measure, saying marijuana users
in the workplace will undoubtedly pose a problem when it comes to
worker's compensation insurance provided by employers for on-the-job
injuries, Pacific Daily News files state.

One Vietnam War veteran, Luis Villagomez, has argued medicinal
marijuana would help him deal with his post-traumatic stress disorder,
arthritis, prostate cancer, liver problems, and joint and back pains
- -- which have killed his appetite and affected his ability to sleep.

"If I smoke weed, it eases all the pain, and I have a good attitude to
my family," he said.

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AT A GLANCE

Bill 423 would:

Allow licensed physicians to prescribe marijuana to qualified
patients;

Establish health-care centers that will grow, process and dispense
cannabis by prescription only; and

Require the Department of Public Health and Social Services to
establish rules governing the health centers, the registration of
patients and ways to track those patients.

IF YOU GO

What: Public hearing on Bill 423 which would legalize medical use of
marijuana

Where: Guam Legislature's public hearing room

When: 5 p.m. today