[Vision2020] Legalizing Medical Marijuana

[Tom Trail]

Visionaries:  Some questions have come up about the process of developing
legislation for legalizing the use of medical marijuana.  During the past 18
months I have met with citizens around the state who suffer a great deal of
pain from conditions such as brain cancer, AIDS, and a variety of other
chronic illnesses.  Medical marijuana is the only substance that brings
them relief from their severe pain.

The majority of states in the West have legalized the use of medical
marijuana.  This was done via the initiative process rather than the
legislative route.  In Idaho the initiative processes is very expensive
and difficult compared to surrounding states.   Therefore, it seemed that
the legislative route was the best way to go.

During the past year I worked with contacts in other states who had
passed via the initiative route the legalization of medical marijuana.
Draft legislation was developed and reviewed, and then I asked my other
state contacts for their input.  I was about ready to introduce the
legislation in this past legislative session when I learned that New
Jersey had passed via the legislative process a bill which was considered
one of the toughest among the 14 states who have legalized the use of
medical marijuana.

We all know that Idaho is a very conservative state so my contacts around
the state recommended that the New Jersey model might be the best one to
follow.  I worked closely with Robert Capecchi, Legal Analyst, of the National
Medical Marijuana Program in Washington, D.C. and his team to review the
proposed legislation.  I met with Mr. Capecchi and Assembleman, Don Murphy
(Republican) from Maryland last December in Washington, D.C.  Don led the
successful effort to legalize medical marijuana in the state of Maryland.
During the months of January and February the review process continued
until we finally reached agreement that we had a good proposal for Idaho.
It, obviously, was too late in the session to introduce the proposal.

I've already held meetings with stakeholder groups in the Treasure Valley
and have good contacts in Sandpoint, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Hailey.
The plan is to hold a series of town hall meetings this summer around
the state (at my own expense) inviting all of the stakeholders including
legislators to attend.  We also plan to meet with a group of stakeholders
in Boise with Governor Otter.  We will also be meeting with the Idaho
Medical Association,  law enforcement agencies,  Department of Health and
Welfare officials, and many others as the process moves forward.  We are
now in the process of selecting a state coordinator and applying for
several grants.

As you can see, there is a great deal of work involved is working with
this type of legislation.

Rep. Tom Trail
-- 
Dr. Tom Trail
International Trails
1375 Mt. View Rd.
Moscow, Id. 83843
Tel:  (208) 882-6077
Fax:  (208) 882-0896
e mail ttrail at moscow.com