Utah Lawmakers Consider Two Medical Marijuana Bills As Poll Shows 64% Approval For Medicinal Cannabis
As the newest poll demonstrates, there’s strong support for medical marijuana in the sometimes-regressive state of Utah, which has inspired a sense of vagrant optimism as politicians prepare for a critical vote today. Up for consideration are two competing medical marijuana proposals – including one that was trounced by the Mormon Church the moment it was conceived.
First proposed by Sen. Mark Madsen (R. Eagle Mountain), S.B.73 would legalize medical marijuana for Utah’s residents with specific illnesses, allowing them to utilize medical marijuana in the form of edibles and oils … while prohibiting any smoking.
Political muscle…
Attacking the commonsense proposal with overwhelming zeal, the LDS church fired-off a response last week that claimed they were concerned the bill would have “unintended consequences.” Cognizant of the elevated level of fear mongering buzzing around the state, MMJ advocates were more than a little worried the church’s hostility would spark a downward spiral for S.B. 73 — despite the most recent poll showing 64% of the Beehive State’s residents support for medical marijuana.
Graphic courtesy of Utahpolicy.com
(Learn more about Utah and its battle for medical marijuana)
If passed, the less restrictive SB 73 would put Utah on equal footing with more than 20 other states with medical marijuana programs, according to Sen. Madsen.
While Madsen reasoned that his medical marijuana bill is desperately needed by his suffering constituents, those politicians with a diminished spine and a strong tie to the church are thought to view the more restrictive plan from two other Republicans as the odds-on favorite for passage.
If passed, Senate Bill 89 would legalize a watered down form of MMJ for Utahans suffering from cancer/chemotherapy, wasting syndrome, AIDS and other debilitating health conditions. Allowing them to use a form of reduced THC cannabis concentrates to help alleviate their suffering. Originally sponsored by (R.) Sen. Evan Vickers of Cedar City and Rep. Brad Daw, SB 89 is projected to be so restrictive that only a few thousand people would actually qualify for Utah’s MMJ program.
Provided either bill passes its cluster of opposition, each bill would face a final showdown in the House of Representatives.
Good luck Utah!
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