Medical marijuana bill to become law without Douglas’ signature

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(Host) Governor Jim Douglas says he’ll allow a medical marijuana bill to become law without his signature. The legislation was sent to the governor late yesterday afternoon after the Senate accepted the House’s scaled back version of the bill.

Under the legislation, a patient with cancer, MS or HIV/AIDS will be allowed to use marijuana for pain or symptom relief, after consulting with a doctor. Individuals who want to use marijuana will be required to register with the Department of Public Safety.

Douglas says he can’t sign the bill because he has some serious reservations about it. But he also understands that some people could get relief from the proposal. So he’ll allow it to become law without his signature:

(Douglas) “I also recognize that there’s a great deal of public support for this strong bi- partisan support in the General Assembly, wide public support. And I share the concern that all Vermonters have, that we show compassion for those in the last stages of a debilitating disease.”

(Host) Douglas says allowing the bill to become law without his signature will not diminish his administration’s efforts to fight illegal drug use among young people throughout the state.

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