Sen. Bobby Singleton: “This is the right time to legalize medical marijuana”
Amidst reports that his Medical Marijuana Patient Safe Access Act (SB326) may never make it to the House floor, bill sponsor Senator Bobby Singleton said this morning, “I’m optimistic. We’re early in this process – just halfway through this session – and there’s a process for these things.” In an interview with Alabama Today, Senator Singleton said reports that Rules Committee Chairman Senator Jabo Waggoner called the bill “dead” didn’t diminish his resolve for getting the legislation passed this session. “I respect the Senator and his position – and he may vote against the bill – but we’ll be asking his committee to give the bill consideration.” Sen. Singleton also said that he would consider other options for advancing the bill, including a constitutional amendment. “I’m all for the people’s right to vote. It’s entirely possible that we’ll put it before the people and let them have their say.” The Medical Marijuana Patient Safe Access Act would allow patients with one of 25 “serious medical conditions” to be prescribed marijuana by a qualifying physician. Singleton says he introduced the bill after hearing from constituents who were obtaining marijuana illegally in order to manage chronic pain. The Senate Judiciary Committee scheduled a public hearing on the bill for this Wednesday, but canceled the public comment period at the last minute. Instead, the committee issued a favorable report on the bill by a 4-3 vote. Reports by AL.com suggest that the legislation crossed that hurdle because several Republican members weren’t in attendance on Wednesday: Arthur Orr, Greg Reed and Tom Whatley were absent and Sen. Greg Albritton declined to vote. During the meeting, Sen. Phil Williams raised concerns that the bill would encourage dependency or addiction to other illegal drugs. “I’ve worked with a lot of messed up kids,” he said. “All of those who were addicts never intended to become addicts. But in all cases, marijuana was the gateway drug that led them down that path. I’ve seen too many devastated lives to give my support to this bill.”
Roll one up (soon): Senate panel passes Medical Marijuana Act
[Editor’s Note: This updates an earlier story on AlToday.com] The debate over legalizing medical marijuana in Alabama will continue as lawmakers in the Senate Judiciary Committee issued a favorable report on SB 326, known as the Medical Marijuana Patient Safe Access Act. Wednesday afternoon’s 4-3 vote spurred applause in a hearing room packed with advocates. Sponsored by Sen. Bobby Singleton, the act would allow patients with one of 25 “serious medical conditions” to be prescribed marijuana by a qualifying physician. “There are too many citizens in chronic pain,” Singleton said. “We’ve been demonizing marijuana for too long and we’re now starting to hear from the medical community that there are real benefits in marijuana treatment.” The legislation states that after a full medical evaluation, physicians would assign patients to one of three classes of medical marijuana recipients, based on the level of their prescription: Class One: Allows a qualified patient or designated caregiver to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of medical-grade marijuana per month or grow no more than 8 ounces (or eight plants per patient) with a medical grow license. Class Two: Allows patients or caregivers to buy up to five ounces of medical marijuana per month or grow as much as 12 ounces (12 plants per patient) with a license. Class Three: Allows a monthly purchase of up to 16 ounces medical marijuana. Patients could also grow up to 16 ounces of cannabis, or 16 plants, with a license. Patients with a prescription from a qualifying physician would then be able to purchase or grow medical-grade cannabis without prosecution. The bill requires patients to apply for a medical marijuana identification card from their county health department and pay a $100 registration fee. The health department would collect data on patient use and compliance with the medical plan. The bill also states that employers cannot discriminate against employees who have prescription cards, though employees would not be able to use medical marijuana while on the job. The legislation will still face hurdles as it continues through the Senate. Sen. Phil Williams raised concerns that the bill would encourage dependency or addiction to other illegal drugs. “I’ve worked with a lot of messed up kids,” he said. “All of those who were addicts never intended to become addicts. But in all cases, marijuana was the gateway drug that led them down that path. I’ve seen too many devastated lives to give my support to this bill.” Other lawmakers urged for greater safeguards against abuse by patients and service providers. Last year, Gov. Robert Bentley passed Carly’s Law, legalizing use of a nonintoxicating marijuana extract known as cannabidiol or CBD. If lawmakers pass this legislation, Alabama would join 23 other states that allow marijuana for medical purposes.
Senate committee to hear medical marijuana bill
Wednesday afternoon, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hear debate on Alabama joining 23 other states to allow medical marijuana. Medical Marijuana Patient Safe Access Act, Senate Bill 326, sponsored by Sen. Bobby Singleton would allow patients with what the bill defines as “serious medical conditions” to be prescribed marijuana. Qualifying conditions include: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS – Lou Gehrig’s Anorexia. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)/ deficit disorder (ADD). Autism. Bipolar disorder. Cachexia. Cancer. Cerebral palsy. Chronic depression. Chronic pain. Dystonia. Fibromyalgia. Gastrointestinal disorders, including, but not limited to, colitis, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Glaucoma. Lupus Migraine. Obsessive-compulsive disorder. Parkinson’s disease. Persistent muscle spasms, including, but not limited to, spasms associated with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS-Lou Gehrig’s disease), multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. Post-traumatic stress disorder. Rheumatoid arthritis. Seizures, including, associated with epilepsy. Severe nausea. Tourette’s syndrome. Any other chronic or but not limited to, seizures persistent medical symptom that either: Substantially limits the ability of the person to conduct one or more major life activities as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-336). If not alleviated, may cause serious harm to the patient’s safety or physical or mental health. The hearing is scheduled for the Senate Judiciary Committee at 1 p.m. Wednesday in Room 325 of the Alabama Statehouse.
