Vetoed by Governor Tim Pawlenty

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that legalizes marijuana for medical use by people with certain debilitating conditions.

Highlights:

-Allows a qualifying patient to receive up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana (Secs. 2, 9). -Defines a primary caregiver as a person of at least 18 years who assists no more than five qualifying patients with their medical use of marijuana (Sec. 2). -Retains the use of marijuana solely for terminally ill patients suffering a debilitating illness (Sec. 2). -Allows the Commissioner of Health to issue registry identification cards to qualifying patients, enabling them to purchase marijuana at state-licensed dispensaries (Secs. 2, 4). -Requires that a licensed practitioner sign a written certification for a qualifying patient recommending the medical use of marijuana (Sec. 2). -Describes certain legal protections associated with the medical use of marijuana, including the protection of both patients and caregivers from discrimination in schooling, housing or employment (Sec. 3). -Defines a registered organization as a nonprofit entity registered with the Commissioner of Health that provides marijuana and related supplies to qualifying patients and caregivers (Sec. 9). -$436,000 for the 2010 fiscal year and $517,000 for the 2011 fiscal year appropriated to the commissioner of health from the state government special revenue fund (Sec. 13).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that legalizes marijuana for medical use by people with certain debilitating conditions.

Highlights:

-Allows a qualifying patient to receive up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana (Secs. 2, 9). -Defines a primary caregiver as a person of at least 18 years who assists no more than five qualifying patients with their medical use of marijuana (Sec. 2). -Retains the use of marijuana solely for terminally ill patients suffering a debilitating illness (Sec. 2). -Allows the Commissioner of Health to issue registry identification cards to qualifying patients, enabling them to purchase marijuana at state-licensed dispensaries (Secs. 2, 4). -Requires that a licensed practitioner sign a written certification for a qualifying patient recommending the medical use of marijuana (Sec. 2). -Describes certain legal protections associated with the medical use of marijuana, including the protection of both patients and caregivers from discrimination in schooling, housing or employment (Sec. 3). -Defines a registered organization as a nonprofit entity registered with the Commissioner of Health that provides marijuana and related supplies to qualifying patients and caregivers (Sec. 9). -$436,000 for the 2010 fiscal year and $517,000 for the 2011 fiscal year appropriated to the commissioner of health from the state government special revenue fund (Sec. 13).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that legalizes marijuana for medical use by people with certain debilitating conditions.

Highlights:

-Defines applicability, allowable amount (2.5 ounces of usable marijuana), debilitating medical condition, medical use of marijuana and practitioner (Sec. 2). -Prohibits discrimination by schools or landlord due to status as a qualifying patient or primary caregiver (Sec. 3). -No person is subject to arrest or prosecution for any offense related to the possession of marijuana solely for being in the presence or vicinity of the medical use of marijuana (Sec. 3) -Outlines requirements and procedure for the issuance of registry identification cards and practices thereafter (Sec. 4). -Outlines prohibited activities while under the influence of marijuana (i.e. operating a motor vehicle) and areas where the use of marijuana is prohibited (Sec. 5) -Outlines penalties for sale, transfer or loan of a registry identification card or marijuana obtained through the law (Sec 6). -Bill becomes effective 1 August, 2009 (Sec. 11).

Full Bill Text