Gov. Tim Pawlenty vetoed what was considered the most strict medical marijuana bill in the country. The bill restricted use of medical marijuana to only terminally ill patients suffering a debilitating illness. A last minute amendment even removed eligibility for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy who need the drug to combat nausea. A provision allowing patients to grow their own marijuana plants was also removed in hopes of increasing the chance for approval despite concerns of a possible veto. (more…)

Medical marijuana patients and advocates had a big day Wednesday as the states of Minnesota, New Hampshire and Rhode Island all voted and passed medical marijuana bills aimed at seriously ill patients.  A similar bill in Illinois was expected to be voted on as well, but was delayed so the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Bill Haine, could amend the bill to address the concerns of some law enforcement officials. If the Minnesota, New Hampshire and Illinois bills become law, it would make 16 states with legal medical marijuana in the U.S (Rhode Island already passed a medical marijuana law in 2006).  Here is a more detailed look at each bill and its current status to become law: (more…)