Minnesota to Legalize Medical Marijuana But Bans Smoking it!
Minnesota will be the next state to legalize medical marijuana but with an additional set of rules that many would find curious.
According to the new rules that will come in to effect next week, medical marijuana is not going to be available in smokable form, leaving patients with the choice between pills and oils. Another important point thing to note is that the drug will only be available in eight locations throughout the giant state.
The state of Minnesota's approach is so far the most strict among the other 21 states that already legalized medical marijuana. The Guardian reports that the strictly regulated rules will probably bring out high costs, long drives to reach one of the eight location where the drug is sold and reluctant doctors to prescribe it.
Bob Cappechi from the Marijuana Policy Project told the Guardian: "The door is opening. This will start helping people out. That's really what this is all about."
Even though getting medical marijuana legalized is a big step in the state, many advocates were not thrilled by the news, citing the restrictions, which they think defeats the purpose of legalizing the drug. The Guardian reported that some even criticized state representative Carly Melin, who prepared the bill, for allowing such restrictions to be implemented. In her defence Melin said "We weren't going to get anything done if we didn't pass this law."
Advocates believe that there are still ways to improve it, which might take time and face objection along the way, but they are determined to put effort to increase the number of dispensaries and producers, expand the coverage of eligible patients who suffer from chronic pain and lifting the smoking ban, reported by The Guardian .
Dr Andrew Bachman from one of Minnesota's medical marijuana manufacturers Leafline Labs, told The Guardian that time is needed for lawmakers and doctors to see how state's new industry works. He said: "Ideology does not change overnight. It is important to start somewhere."
