Washington & Rhode Island governors petition DEA to reclassify marijuana
source: http://news.yahoo.com/wash-governor-wants-dea-reclassify-marijuana-020305152.html
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OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire and Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee have filed a petition with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration asking the agency to reclassify marijuana so doctors can prescribe it and pharmacists can fill the prescription.
The governors said Wednesday they want the federal government to list marijuana as a Schedule 2 drug, allowing it to be used for medical treatment. Marijuana is currently classified a Schedule 1 drug, meaning it's not accepted for medical treatment and can't be prescribed, administered or dispensed.
Washington and Rhode Island are two of 16 states, and the District of Columbia, that have laws allowing the medical use of marijuana.
"Each of these jurisdictions is struggling with managing safe access to medical cannabis for patients with serious medical conditions," the 99-page petition and report reads. "Our work with the federal agencies has not resolved the matter."
Gregoire said that the conflict between state and federal laws means legitimate patients lack a regulated and safe system to obtain marijuana.
"It is time to show compassion and time to show common sense," she said in a conference call with reporters Wednesday.
Washington voters approved a medical marijuana law in 1998 that gives doctors the right to recommend — but not prescribe — marijuana for people suffering from cancer and other conditions that cause "intractable pain."
more..http://news.yahoo.com/wash-governor-wants-dea-reclassify-marijuana-020305152.htm...
The governors said Wednesday they want the federal government to list marijuana as a Schedule 2 drug, allowing it to be used for medical treatment. Marijuana is currently classified a Schedule 1 drug, meaning it's not accepted for medical treatment and can't be prescribed, administered or dispensed.
Washington and Rhode Island are two of 16 states, and the District of Columbia, that have laws allowing the medical use of marijuana.
"Each of these jurisdictions is struggling with managing safe access to medical cannabis for patients with serious medical conditions," the 99-page petition and report reads. "Our work with the federal agencies has not resolved the matter."
Gregoire said that the conflict between state and federal laws means legitimate patients lack a regulated and safe system to obtain marijuana.
"It is time to show compassion and time to show common sense," she said in a conference call with reporters Wednesday.
Washington voters approved a medical marijuana law in 1998 that gives doctors the right to recommend — but not prescribe — marijuana for people suffering from cancer and other conditions that cause "intractable pain."
more..http://news.yahoo.com/wash-governor-wants-dea-reclassify-marijuana-020305152.htm...
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