Small Town News

Medical marijuana bill passes House, heads to Senate

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Legislation to decriminalize use of medical marijuana passed the House, but now heads back to the Senate before it can be sent to Gov. Jack Markell's desk

The bill passed the Senate March 31. It passed the House by a vote of 27-14 May 5 with two new amendments, which now must be ratified by the Senate.

Primary sponsor Sen. Margaret Rose Henry, D-Wilming-ton, expects the Senate to pass the legislation this week - The House spent nearly three hours debating the bill, finally deciding not to allow use of medical marijuana in vehicles and to require the use of sealed containers for storage.

Representatives rejected an amendment to levy a $2 per ounce fee on the drug. They also

declined to allow patients under 18 to have access to medical marijuana.

Rep. Helene Keeley, D-Wilm-ington Souh, spoke on behalf of the bill, along with stomach cancer patient Don Brill, organizer of Delawareans for Medical Marijuana. Brill said he has tried several medications and none can tackle his pain like medical marijuana.

Trying other medications is a requirement of the legislation.

"Physicians can only recommend medical marijuana after other treatments have failed or had side effects," said Keeley. "You have to try other types of medicine before medical marijuana would be recommended. There is also protection for physicians if they choose not to prescribe medical marijuana. They have the right to say no."

Patients authorized to use medical marijuana would be required to show identification and would receive only 6 ounces per month from a federally run compassionate care center. Private sales of medical marijuana will not be allowed. If any patient or caregiver cannot show proper identification or prescription information, he or she will no longer be allowed to access medical marijuana from a center.

"Six ounces is less than a one-month supply as determined by the federal government," Keeley said.

"The law continues to comply with the federal law of zero tolerance, meaning patients are not allowed to use it at work, on school buses, grounds of schools, healthcare facilities or correctional facilities. It is also illegal to use while operating vehicles or boats." Within a year, a committee of healthcare professionals, legislators and patients would be set up to manage and make sure the new regulations are being followed, Keeley said.

"The reason we are here is for the patients in the room," said Keeley. "Many of these patients are using what doctors have prescribed for them, and it's not working."

For more information, go to legis.delaware.gov or delaware-ansformedicalmarijuana.org.

"THE REASON WE ARE HERE IS FOR THE PATIENTS IN THE ROOM," SAID KEELEY. "MANY OF THESE PATIENTS ARE USING WHAT DOCTORS HAVE PRESCRIBED FOR THEM, AND IT'S NOT WORKING."

REP. HELENE KEELEY, D-WILMINGTON





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