House Committee Hears Pros, Cons Regarding Medical Marijuana
By: Megan Hunter
Updated: November 14, 2012
The Alabama House Health Committee listened to those far and against legalizing marijuana for medical use when it met Wednesday.
Several people, representing law enforcement and healthcare, spoke against legalizing the drug.They claim that it has been linked to cancer and has not been tested by the FDA.
Opponents also claim marijuana is a gateway drug that could lead to increased violence and a higher of traffic fatalities. "The (drug) cartels have ramped up their efforts in Alabama. If you do this, you're creating the demand, and guess who is going to supply it," said Randall Hillman, director of the Alabama District Attorneys' Association.
Supporters of the bill introduced by Rep. Patricia Todd (D-Birmingham) say using marijuana can help some who suffer from diseases such as AIDS, cancer, and Multiple Sclerosis deal with the effects. "Marijuana works," said Faye Madlock who testified before the panel.
Members of the committee include Rep. Paul Lee (R-Dothan) and Rep. Donnie Chesteen (R-Geneva). Neither give the measure a shot at passage.
