CONN. LAWMAKER TRYING TO LEGALIZE MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Local News Briefs

HARTFORD, Conn. - A state lawmaker yesterday announced for the third time
in as many years a plan to legalize marijuana for medical purposes.

Legislation introduced by Rep. James W. Abrams (D-Meriden) would allow
doctors to give patients certificates authorizing the use of marijuana to
relieve pain and other symptoms.

Connecticut passed one of the nation's first medical marijuana laws in
1981, allowing doctors to prescribe the drug. Doctors, fearing prosecution,
have refused to prescribe the drug because federal law banning the drug
overrides state law.

The legislation sponsored by Abrams and three other state representatives
would shift the responsibility from doctors to patients, Abrams said at a
Capitol news conference. A certificate would give patients a defense
against state prosecution but not federal action.

A patient or caregiver also would be allowed to grow marijuana for medical use.