State lawmakers on Wednesday began work on a measure that would legalize marijuana for medical purposes an issue that has risen to prominence in Columbia over the past several years.
A subcommittee of the Senate Medical Affairs Committee spent an hour outlining how to proceed in moving S. 212 known as the South Carolina Compassionate Care Act forward.
A similar provision failed to make it out of committee last year.
I am committed to the careful consideration and study of this bill, and to the best of our ability and with the process of consensus, handing this bill back to the committee at some point with a report of some action, said Sen. Daniel Verdin, R-Laurens.
Proponents say authorizing marijuana for medical use should be left up to physicians as a legitimate treatment option for patients, while those who are against the idea point to concerns by law enforcement that easier access to pot could lead to greater recreational use.
State Sen. Kevin Johnson, D-Manning, said hes not convinced that allowing the use of medical marijuana will have the intended effect, pointing to a lack of approval by the Federal Drug Administration for use of the drug as a remedy.
If this is a good remedy, the FDA needs to step up and verify that, and they havent done that, Johnson said. My fear is there are a lot of people who want it for the wrong reason.
No action was taken Thursday. The subcommittee is scheduled to meet again at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 21, where public testimony is expected to be received for the first time.
Verdin said opening up the conversation for public dialogue is a key position for the committee.
I want to hear from the public, I think that is important, but I also want us to consider and acknowledge the material thats already in hand, he said.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Legislative Works Begins Anew On Medical Marijuana Bill
Author: Adam Benson
Contact: Index-Journal
Photo Credit: Associated Press
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