A medical marijuana bill has passed its first test in the Utah State Legislature.
Republican Senator Mark Madsen raised eyebrows at the general legislative session this year when he revealed his intention to sponsor medical marijuana legislation. But Thursday’s hearing in the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee was the first time Senate Bill 259 was vetted publicly.
Madsen told committee members that last year’s debate on cannabis oil legislation inspired his support for medical marijuana. He believes the stigmatization of the drug has held potential medical advances back.
“The history of this issue is, has been iconic, classic propaganda,” Madsen said. “It’s been a massive public policy and social engineering undertaking and for years we’ve actually criminalized research. In a sense, the ability to start researching in cannabis for medical applications and treatments is like finding a deserted isle that has been isolated from progress for decades.”
The committee room was packed with both advocates and detractors of Madsen’s bill. Some were patients who felt they have benefitted from the use of medical marijuana, while others, like pharmacist Dr. Chris Stock, believe there’s not enough evidence to prove that the benefits of marijuana outweigh the risks.
“My major concerns about this bill is that it’s premature. A number of people have said that we should get this right; we’re Utah, we’re good, we want to protect our citizens, we want to do the best for them,” Stock said. “I’m a scientist. I mentioned that I am a researcher and I think that this deserves to be examined for the facts, not the headlines, not the titles of studies, but how they were actually done.”
By a 3-2 vote, the Senate committee approved SB259. It will head to the full senate next.
Senate President Wayne Niederhauser said on Wednesday that his party’s caucus planned on discussing medical marijuana. It’s unclear whether there’s enough support to advance the bill.