Medical pot use finding support

by Ralph Chapoco 

A state senator visited North Platte on Friday to solicit community support regarding cannabis use for medical purposes.
State Sen. Tommy Garrett hosted a press conference at the North Platte Public Transit Building to discuss an initiative that would permit particular individuals, including those who suffer from seizures, cancer and

Crohn’s Disease, to access cannabis oil.

Garrett and others introduced LB 643, Cannabis Compassion and Care Act, during the previous legislative session for that exact purpose.

Garrett said patients must first visit with physicians who agree to participate in the program, and be diagnosed with a disease that fits within the bill’s guidelines. The doctors can then certify the patient with that illness and send the paperwork to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, which would oversee the program.

HHS will evaluate the application and if the patient is approved, he or she can visit a dispensary to receive their supply of cannabis oil.

The bill received support and made it through committee, but not from a filibuster-proof majority. Garrett needs additional senators to vote for the measure to override a potential veto from Gov. Pete Ricketts, who has expressed concerns with the measure.

To garner further support, Garrett toured the state and stopped in several communities to discuss marijuana’s potential medical uses. He talked about his background, his program and his reasons for introducing it.

“I never thought I would be the person to introduce a bill like this,” Garrett said. “A few constituents approached me and made a compelling reason for it.”

The press conference also included testimonials from patients who have benefited or could benefit from medical marijuana.

The bill states cannabis is effective for alleviating pain and nausea when treating illnesses. It also states the plant has therapeutic value and helps patients finish their treatments for HIV and Hepatitis C.

“Before I went to the meeting, I thought there were a lot of negative effects,” said Sheriff Jerome Kramer, who attended the press conference. “After listening to the senator and others, I believe it has value. Based on what he said, there are things in the bill that would prevent abuse.”

Not everyone is convinced however. State Sen. Mike Groene, who represents North Platte and surrounding communities, does not support the bill — mainly on procedural grounds.

“If drug companies want to introduce a drug into the market, they can go through the Food and Drug Administration and get it approved,” Groene said. “They don’t have to have it go through the legislature. I am not a medical expert and neither are the others who voted for it.”

He also has concerns with the program’s details. He said the bill doesn’t list the dosages people can receive.

Garrett hopes to reintroduce the bill, have it debated and voted on during the upcoming session.