House members rejected a significantly amended version of House Bill 2213, the Missouri Compassionate Care Act, by a 66 to 87 vote on Thursday, April 21st. Members had previously passed the legislation by a 91 to 59 vote on Tuesday, April 19th.
As amended, the measure limited the pool of patients eligible for cannabis therapy only to those terminal patients undergoing hospice care. The legislation will no longer be considered this legislative session.
A more expansive medical marijuana initiative, New Approach Missouri, is currently gathering signatures to qualify for the November 2016 ballot. This initiative would allow for a much wider population to engage in cannabis therapy and would also allow for patient and caregiver cultivation. NORML has endorsed New Approach Missouri and believes it is the most viable option to get medical cannabis to those who need it in the state. You can learn more about this initiative and donate to their efforts here.
For more information please visit Missouri NORML’s website or Facebook.
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws – Advocacy Campaigns
