Americans for Safe access

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IN THE NEWS: Week of 1/21
ASA's Summary of Medical Marijuana Articles for 1/21

> NEW JERSEY: Prosecutor introduces bill
> MONTANA: Group offers to pay fees
> IDAHO: Bill sponsor sought
> COLORADO: Patient Faces Trial
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NEW JERSEY: Senator/prosecutor joins advocates in push for new law
Prosecutors are in a position to understand better than most the cost of the war on medical marijuana, not to mention the difference between drug abuse and medical use. Not all do, but one in New Jersey is pushing for changing the law there. Patient groups are behind the new legislation, and polls show strong public support.

State senator wants to legalize marijuana for medical use
by Tom Bell, Associated Press
A state senator who is also a city prosecutor has introduced legislation that would legalize the use of marijuana in New Jersey as a pain reliever for those with debilitating medical conditions.

NJ legislator wants to legalize medical marijuana
by Bob Groves, New Jersey Record
A state senator who prosecutes drug abusers wants to legalize the "compassionate medical use" of marijuana to treat pain and other symptoms in seriously ill patients.

Advocates push for medical marijuana use
by Terrence Dopp, Gloucester County Times
In a move anti-drug activists called counterproductive to their cause, advocates renewed their quest Tuesday to legalize medicinal marijuana in New Jersey.
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MONTANA: Group offers to pay state fee for medical program
The fee Montana has imposed on those registering for its medical marijuana program has drawn criticism. But now a national advocacy group has stepped forward to cover the cost for patients in need.

Marijuana group offers help
by Allison Farrell, The Billings Gazette
Low-income and ailing Montanans who are qualified to use medical marijuana are now eligible for financial help with the one-time $200 fee the state is charging patients to get on the medical marijuana registry.


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IDAHO: Sponsor sought for medical marijuana bill
More state legislators are getting pressure to stand up for the health of their constituents by sponsoring medical marijuana bills. With substantial majorities of the public in favor in every state, more lawmakers are realizing that there is no political liability in looking after the needs of the sick and suffering. With medical marijuana drawing stronger support than any politician, the risk is in not supporting it.

Group looking for lawmakers to sponsor medical marijuana bill
by Associated Press, KTVB - TV
A pro-marijuana group is looking for a sponsor for legislation that would allow Idaho doctors to prescribe medical cannabis.

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COLORADO: Messy medical marijuana law results in trial
Colorado has a medical marijuana law, but the problems associated with its implementation have been numerous, including the decision by state agencies to withdraw legal status from caregivers they had previously certified. This case involves a man who was growing a small amount for himself and others, all with medical conditions, but local authorities are prosecuting nonetheless.

Medical marijuana case goes to court
by Donna Gray, Glenwood Springs Post Independent
One of the defendants in a medical marijuana case, Gene Brownlee, appeared before District Court Judge Thomas Ossola Thursday. After a preliminary hearing on the evidence in the case, Ossola, standing in for District Court Judge James Boyd, bound Brownlee over for arraignment on Feb. 10.