WV LEGISLATURE WILL DEBATE USING MEDICAL MARIJUANA

(01/25/2014)

A controversial bill about legalizing medical marijuana has been introduced in the WV legislature by Delegate Mike Manypenny (D-Taylor). The bill has been introduced in three previous sessions. The bill would allow people with debilitating medical conditions, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and HIV/AIDS, to use medical marijuana if a doctor recommends it. The legislation would also establish a state regulated system for marijuana growing and distribution centers. Twenty-two states have legalized medical marijuana. In Colorado, residents can purchase and smoke marijuana, controlled and taxed by the state. Proponents of legalization say hundreds of thousands of Americans die annually from legalized alcohol, tobacco and drug addiction. The chance of the bill passing is slim, based on the state's inability to change laws related to drug offenses and addiction, making West Virginia a state that leads the nation with incarceration Prison overcrowding in West Virginia increased from 1,500 prisoners in 1990 to about 6,500 in 2010 - more than four times. Figures from the West Virginia Division of Corrections show 27.6 percent of all our state's prisoners were convicted of drug offenses, while about 50% of other convictions are drug related. While polling in West Virginia indicates significant public support, 56% favoring and 34% opposing, legislature watchers says legalization efforts for medical marijuana is a touchy proposal.

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