Yesterday, The Utah State Legislature held a committee hearing trying to come to a compromise about medical marijuana. While Proposition 2 is already on the November ballot, committee members addressed the proposed medical marijuana compromise.
President of Libertas Institute, Connor Boyack, laid out the compromise, “What we’ve done now is we’ve come up with an agreement that satisfies a lot of the opposition’s concerns in a way that allows the bulk of the program to move forward.”
The compromise includes key differences from Prop 2. Here are some examples:
Prop 2 allows people to grow their own marijuana, while the compromise would only give marijuana flowers in sealed plastic bags.
Prop 2 would allow medical marijuana for certain autoimmune disorders. The compromise would not.
Lastly, Prop 2 would allow marijuana in edible form like baked goods, while the compromise would only contain marijuana in cube shaped lozenges or capsules.
President Gayle Ruzicka of Utah Eagle Forum said, “I’m also concerned about the federal law and how that’s going to work, and we need to look at that and be concerned about that.”
Opponents were particularly concerned that anyone can receive medical marijuana, regardless of age. Ruzicka said if Prop 2 passes as is, children will not be protected and it can destroy a developing brain.
No action was taken in the hearing, but controversy continues to stir.
The majority of proponents still feel restricted, while opponents fear medical marijuana could turn into recreational use.
Ruzicka stated, “If you tell children that something is medicine, you’re telling them something is good for them and then they’re gonna want to use it.”
Boyack claims, “We found a way to balance it out a little bit more, resolve some of the opposition they had, get patients what they need and move on without all the hostility and combat for years to come.”
The bill will replace the proposition—if it passes. If it doesn’t, the bill will remain on the table for legislators. The legislators listened to the public and will call for a special session after the election if necessary.
