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Update February 21, 1999
Provided by Cindy Powell
The Senate Health Committee passed out the medical marijuana bill (SB 862) yesterday. This means both the senate bill and the house bill are advancing to their respective judiciary committees.
There were a couple of amendments: the addition of a section prepared by Drug Policy Forum member/former law professor Dick Miller to ensure physicians who don't choose to recommend cannabis cannot be charged with malpractice, and a "drop dead" provision offered by Pam Lichty saying the legislation will be repealed in two years if proven ineffective.
These developments are unprecedented in our state. Those interested in this legislation should take a few minutes to call or email your legislators, and to call, fax or email the chairs of the two judiciary committees with your opinions and ask when the hearing will be/please schedule ASAP.
Sen. Chun Oakland should be commended for her patience and acute attention to the 7 1/2 hours of testimony presented to her alone (the four other members of the committee were absent with the exception of Senator Levin for a couple hours).
CONTACT INFORMATION
House Judiciary Chair Paul Oshiro: 586-6360, fax 586-6361
e-mail: repposhiro@capitol.hawaii.gov
Senate Jud co-chair Matt Matsunaga: 586-7100, fax: 586-7109
e-mail: senmatsunaga@capitol.hawaii.gov
Senate Judiciary Co-chair Avery Chumbley: 586-6030, fax: 586-6031
e-mail: senchumbley@capitol.hawaii.gov
Senate Health chair Chun-Oakland: 586-6130; Fax: 586-6131
e-mail: senchunoakland@capitol.hawaii.gov
Senator Chun-Oakland began the hearing today by saying it was the patients' testimonies that really made her take the position she has.
Aloha,
Cindy Powell