Re: Proposed Bill No. 349

Honorable Governor Rell

I understand that there will be an upcoming vote in the state legislature which would decriminalize a small amount of cannabis, under an ounce, as I understand. I applaud this measure, and I hope you will vote for the passage of this bill--if perhaps in an amended form.

I understand that you do have an objection to this bill, in its current wording. I understand your objection to making it legal in this state is that it is still illegal to purchase. I think having a broader vision to this issue will allow a conclusion that you can stand behind. By addition of a "medicinal use clause", you can resolve a few thorney issues still extant.

The current language of the bill, to me, don't seem to go far enough to protect the rights of those who are allowed to use marijuana as medicine. I believe that a "medicinal use" consideration in this bill should specifically be targeted towards those of other states who have a legitimate registration card; whether living here part-time, or just passing through.

In those states, our neighbor Rhode Island being the most notable, it is legal to have up to 2.5 ounces, for personal, medical use. By giving consideration to the fact of their possession of that amount (which is over this state's proposed threshold), additionally decreases the number of people in our jails as well. If medical use consideration is made, simply by traveling across the border, those who have the card are still legal.

By making it legal in this state to have possession of a small quantity (1 oz for most citizens, 2.5 for medical cards), it would therefore be legal for people who need it to have it. If legal in this state, then it can be prescribed as a legal, valid, legitimate medication--which, for people like me, is the only thing that works.

If possession is legal, and doctors are allowed to prescribe this as medication, then the state will have a legitimate interest in regulating it through the pharmacies, and medical dispensaries. This will further add to the state's revenues, rather than hemorrhaging to people selling it illegally.

By allowing consideration to a medical marijuana clause, the price comes down overall, and then there's less incentive to sell it illegally because it can be bought legally, inexpensively.

Thank you for your time to read this letter. I hope that you can take the time to consider what I've said, and make some positive changes for your citizens.

Just letting you know my voice:
zen paradiso
(dba. RevEd. Jrrr "Bobuddha" Livingroundobbs)