Legislation that would legalize medical marijuana cultivation with tight restrictions on who could use the drug has won initial approval in the Missouri House, but one supporter of medical marijuana said this bill still has too many restrictions.
Dolores Halbin, a local nurse for cannabis, said the bill won't help children, veterans or those with chronic diseases.
"The people need to still vote for the New Approach Missouri petition on the November ballot because this petition makes sure those who need medical marijuana will get it. It doesn't prevent anyone who's sick from getting it. Right now the current bill in the House will limit marijuana to only terminal cancer patients in hospice," said Halbin.
The Missouri House adopted the medical marijuana bill Tuesday by 91-59 vote after limiting marijuana to terminal cancer patients in hospice. Rep. Shamed Dogan voted against the measure after saying it was too watered down. Rep. Mike Colona said there was still time to broaden the bill, adding that a lack of legislative action could bolster petitioners seeking to put a more sweeping measure on the ballot.
To learn how to sign up for the petition, residents should contact New Approach Kansas City directly on their website. To learn more about becoming a volunteer with this group, click here. Residents must sign the petition in person. Missouri state law requires handwritten signatures - you cannot sign online.
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Alyson Bruner can be reached at alyson.bruner@kshb.com.
