Connecticut House passes medical marijuana bill

HARTFORD (AP) -- The Connecticut House of Representatives on Wednesday voted to legalize the medical use of marijuana, despite concerns raised by some lawmakers that those who manufacture and distribute the drug under the new state program could risk federal prosecution.

The bill passed 96-51 following about seven hours of debate. It now moves to the Senate for further action. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has said he supports the concept.






Rep. Brenda Kupchick, R-Fairfield, who also voted no, said she's concerned that the state is asking small pharmacies, people who will grow the marijuana and the patients to put themselves in the difficult position of possibly losing their property and their licenses or getting arrested.







Rep. Penny Bacchiochi, a lead proponent, said this bill is better than those offered over the past decade because it sets up a system for growing and dispensing marijuana. Patients would not have to grow the marijuana plants themselves. The number of producers would be limited to 10 and they'd be charged a $25,000 non-refundable application fee. The dispensaries would have to be overseen by a licensed pharmacist, she said.


