“I strongly believe this is a healthcare issue that is too important to politicize,” Respicio stated in a letter to members of the Legislature after introducing Bill 420, titled “The Compassionate Health Care Act of 2010.”
The proposal has generated community discussions when Respicio first disclosed earlier this year his plan to introduce the marijuana legalization bill patterned after the cannabis reform laws and pending bills in 27 other jurisdictions.
Respicio noted that cannabis is most frequently prescribed for people who suffer from debilitating illnesses including cancer, HIV, AIDS and severe nausea, among others.
“There is a large body of evidence that shows the use of cannabis has brought relief and comfort to a number of suffering individuals,” Respicio said. “Several have approached me, including some veterans, who believe that cannabis could ease their pain and suffering.”
The bill proposes the establishment of several Compassionate Healthcare Centers that would be authorized to grow, process and dispense cannabis to qualified patients, but only by prescription.
The bill also proposes additional restrictions on the use of cannabis in public and in the presence of minors, while eliminating penalties on possession of an ounce or less of cannabis.
The 53-page bill invokes a 2002 ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court, which “upheld the right of doctors to recommend cannabis to their patients.”
It also cites studies showing that “marijuana is far less addictive than alcohol and nicotine.”
