LAWMAKERS WEIGH BILL TO CREATE MEDICAL MARIJUANA PILOT PROGRAM

CARSON CITY -- A bill that would start a pilot program to allow
medical marijuana card-holders to legally purchase the drug is being
pushed in the Legislature.

Sen. Mike Schneider, D-Las Vegas, said the bill "would eliminate the
head shops" that are illegally selling marijuana. Those with a valid
registry identification card to use marijuana for medical purposes
face felony charges when purchasing it on the street, he said.

Senate Bill 336 would set up a company or facility to grow, warehouse
and distribute marijuana under the direction of the state Board of Pharmacy.

Rebecca Gasca, of the American Civil Liberties Union, said the state
has neglected its responsibility since the medical marijuana program
was approved in the Nevada Constitution 10 years ago.

This bill, she said, "could help the patient to have better access to
medication."

Schneider told the Senate Finance Committee there are safeguards in
the program. Doctors, he said, would have to take instruction on the
medical benefits of marijuana.

He said he has worked with the U.S. Attorney's Office in putting the
bill together. Under the bill, the state Agriculture Department would
oversee the process of growing the marijuana.

The pilot program would also mean extra tax money for the state when
the drug is sold legally. The committee didn't take action on the bill.