Legislative leadership is pushing a bill they say would suspend, but not halt, enacting parts of a ballot measure approved by voters to allow medical marijuana in North Dakota.
Supporters of last years measure were not pleased by the proposed delay and let lawmakers sitting on the Human Services Committee for both legislative chambers know it during a joint meeting Monday morning in the state Capitol.
We are asking you to hear our voices, Galesburg resident Sheri Paulson told the committees in the Pioneer Room.
Paulson told lawmakers she takes nine medications for multiple sclerosis. She said theres a stigma that goes with medical marijuana and she has waited for the passage of Measure 5 because she wants to be able to take it legally.
You want to shut us down, Paulson tearfully told lawmakers. We are not doing this to get high. We want you to understand us.
Senate Bill 2154 would suspend having the North Dakota Department of Health from issuing applications for medical marijuana dispensaries and the receiving of applications as well as issuing certificates of registration. The suspension would last through July 31 or until the Legislature passes a full medical marijuana regulations bill this session, whichever comes first.
Measure 5, also known as the North Dakota Compassionate Care Act, passed in November with the support of nearly 64 percent of voters.
SB2154 prime sponsor Sen. Rich Wardner, R-Dickinson, said the delay is necessary to make sure the state is on solid ground to provide a program that works.
Its simply to do it right, Wardner said.
The new law allows for people to have up to 3 ounces of medical marijuana for treatment of up to nearly a dozen medical conditions. Facilities for medical marijuana distribution would be licensed by the state Health Department and operated by nonprofit organizations. Those more than 40 miles from a licensed facility would be able to grow up to eight marijuana plants after providing notification to law enforcement as long as theyre grown in an enclosed facility.
Wardner said the main medical marijuana bill is expected to be filed by Monday, the deadline for senators to introduce bills.
The health department was charged with setting up the rules, Wardner said. Theyre scrambling."
In no way does SB2154 circumvent the peoples vote, according to Wardner, who said it provides the Health Department cover as it finalizes its work on what will be in the comprehensive bill.
Senate Human Services Committee Chairwoman Judy Lee, R-West Fargo, said she understood the rationale behind SB2154.
Some things you just cant do overnight, Lee said.
House Human Services Committee Chairman Robin Weisz, R-Hurdsfield, agreed, pointing out that some other states that have implemented marijuana programs have taken 18 months to three years to get things completely hashed out.
Thats still a pretty aggressive timeline, Weisz said of the SB2154 deadline.
Anita Morgan of Fargo, a member of the North Dakota Compassionate Care Act measure committee, said the legislation of other states should be a useful guide and she didnt see why it may need to take so long to address concerns in North Dakota.
Morgan used the example of there already being a large amount of evidence for the correct dosage for treatment of some medical conditions readily available.
We need not reinvent the wheel, Morgan said.
Among the possibilities being considered for inclusion in the bill are finding ways, such as fees, to offset the cost of overseeing the program, safety precautions for children and capping the amount allowed for users at less than 3 ounces.
A cost estimate the department released to Legislative Management last fall put the cost for the 2017-19 biennium for implementation at about $7.35 million and up to 32 full-time staff. Department estimates also put the impact on the Bureau of Criminal Investigation per biennium at nearly $2.8 million with a need for 15 additional full-time staff.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Lawmakers Weigh Delay To Medical Marijuana
Author: Nick Smith
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Photo Credit: Mike McCleary
Website: The Bismarck Tribune
