Medical marijuana bill on way to governor

OLYMPIA – After intense negotiations, the Legislature reached an agreement on a medical marijuana bill supporters say will bring clarity to a murky area. Senate Bill 6032, sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, passed the Legislature and now moves to the governor for her signature. The bill passed the House on April 19 on a 68-27 vote and the Senate today on a 37-9 vote.

The bill had run into obstacles on language calling for the state Department of Health (DOH) to determine what a 60-day supply of marijuana is for patients. Some patients and advocates believed DOH would specify an amount for individual patients, which was not the intention, Kohl-Welles explained. The bill was clarified in a conference committee to specify the 60-day supply rules apply to patients generally and not to specific individuals, and a larger amount may be provided with evidence of medical need. The bill requires DOH to make a good faith effort to include all affected parties in the rule-making process. In addition, DOH will report to the Legislature by July 1, 2008, on best practices in providing access to an adequate, safe, consistent and secure source of the medical marijuana, including alternative distribution systems.

“All emotions aside, it is a common-sense and compassionate solution to an issue voters have already approved,” Kohl-Welles said.

Initiative 692, which allowed the use of marijuana for specific medical purposes, passed in 1998. Since then, some patients asserting they are using medical marijuana for approved purposes have been challenged, as have some who have provided them with the product. The bill would allow qualifying patients and designated providers an affirmative defense if they comply with the requirements laid out in the bill.

In addition, the bill adds Crohn’s disease, hepatitis C and other diseases as those for which medical marijuana can be used under specified conditions.

“Many of us have lost family members and friends to diseases causing great pain and suffering,” Kohl-Welles said. “This bill will make sure that qualifying patients can access recommended medical marijuana without fear of prosecution with their physician’s recommendation.”

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