News » John McCain Opposes Medical Marijuana





Standing at a podium bearing a sign which read “Marijuana is NOT Medicine”, US Senator John McCain was joined by Senator Jon Kyl at a news conference to state their opposition to Proposition 203. This proposal would allow for the use of medical marijuana by patients in the state of Arizona.

Arizona already has a medical marijuana law on the books, passed in 1996, however due to a legal catch-22, it was never enacted. The current legislation requires a doctor’s prescription, rather than a recommendation as in California, however a prescription cannot be issued as it violates federal law. The ballot measure being voted on this election day would allow for patients to receive 2.5 ounces of marijuana every two weeks, or to grow up to 12 plants if they do not live near a dispensary.

The Republican senators seem to feel that the current law is sufficient, and that patients to not need access to medical marijuana. “Marijuana for medical treatment is the foot in the door for legalization” in his statement.

McCain’s opinion does not differ much. “We obviously have great sympathy for those who struggle in pain or discomfort from debilitating diseases and medical conditions,” he said, “but this proposition is not the solution.”

[source Arizona Capitol Times]

Tags: Arizona, John McCain, Jon Kyl, legalization, marijuana, medical, pot, Proposition 203