Chickashanews.com

Local News

Discussion

Add a comment on this story
January 25, 2013

Pot bills have little chance of passing Dorman says

James Bright The Express-Star

CHICKASHA — Bills filed this week to establish Oklahoma medical marijuana and reduce penalties for small amounts of the drug will not pass according to Representative Joe Dorman.

"I have a greater likelihood of getting a date with Kate Upton," Dorman said. "There is no way either of those will pass."

State Senator Constance Johnson filed the bills.

Senate Bill 902 directs the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision to develop and adopt rules that allow individuals with debilitating medical conditions to use marijuana with approval from their physicians and to establish fees for the “licensing, production, distribution, and consumption” of marijuana for medical purposes.

Senate Bill 914 would reduce the maximum penalty for possession of up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana from a maximum of one year in jail and a fine of $1,000 to a maximum of 10 days in jail and a fine of $200.

“There is a vast amount of evidence demonstrating the medical benefits of marijuana for individuals suffering from certain debilitating conditions,” said Mason Tvert, director of communications at the Marijuana Policy Project in a press release. “If a doctor believes their patient can alleviate his or her pain and suffering by using marijuana, that patient should be able to do so without the fear of arrest.”

Grady County District Attorney Jason Hicks said the passing of either of these bills would make his job far more difficult.

"I dot like the idea of medicinal marijuana," he said. "There are more than enough pain relievers and medicines available to treat just about any disease or ailment out there. If this passes, our ability to prosecute marijuana crimes goes out the window.

Dorman echoed these remarks, but said he has received requests from several of his constituents asking to pursue this sort of action.

"Personally I think it would be hard to monitor and control," he said.

Rationality should be a commanding factor in the state's legislature when discussing this issues according to Tvert.

"It is irrational to throw an adult in jail for up to a year simply for possessing a product that is objectively less harmful than alcohol,” Tvert said. “It is inhumane to do it when that individual is seriously ill and using marijuana to improve his or her quality of life.”

Currently 18 states and the District of Columbia allow patients with qualifying conditions to use medical marijuana with recommendations from their physicians.

Text Only
Local News
  • Tuttle could shed title as largest city in America without cable

    Tuttle may be on the verge of getting a new cable system provider after city officials met with @Link yesterday following a U.S. Marshal's sale.

    June 18, 2013

  • 6-18 detour sign.jpg Heavy rains lead to road damage, detour

    The heavy rains over the weekend have put a dent in the drought. However, the 2.5 inches of precipitation also did some damage to a pipe under Lake Burtschi Road, Mike Lennier, Grady County Commissioner, District 2, said.

    June 18, 2013 1 Photo

  • Woman's arrest results in police assault

    Chickasha Police Officer Lauren Mathews arrested Elizabeth Bailey for assault and battery upon a peace officer, possession of controlled substance without a valid prescription, operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicating substance, destroying evidence, following too closely and failure to signal intention of turning on June 15 at the 200 block of West Almar Drive.

    June 17, 2013

  • IMG_1473.JPG Anti-Mortem begins new adventure

    You wouldn't know Anti-Mortem is about to embark on their first national tour. The childhood friends sit around laughing, drinking beer and playing metal like it's business as usual with perfect composure. 

    June 14, 2013 1 Photo

  • Barbecue to benefit local Crime Stoppers

    The Grady County Sherriff’s Office and Chickasha Police Department will host a Crime Stoppers fundraiser on July 25 from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Grady County Fairgrounds in the north building.

    June 14, 2013

  • Liberty National acquires Chickasha Bank

    Chickasha Bank & Trust Company announced that it has been acquired by the company that owns and runs Liberty National Bank out of Lawton.

    June 14, 2013

  • Friend superintendent vies for storm shelter

    Superintendent of Friend Public Schools, Alton Rawlins wants to prevent tragedies like those earlier this year at Briarwood Elementary from happening at Friend Public Schools.

    June 13, 2013

  • Man arrested at Eduardo's admits to being on meth

    Chickasha Police Officer Derek Hunt was dispatched to Edwardo’s Mexican Restaurant on South Fourth Street to respond to a public intoxication call.

    June 12, 2013

  • Glaze addresses rumors of possible ISR elimination

    Jo Perryman, Chickasha Public Schools educator, addressed the Chickasha Board of Education about in school retention at the regular school board meeting on Monday.

    June 11, 2013

  • J127995.jpg Man could lose leg after highway DUI accident

    A man who was struck by a red truck on highway 81 early yesterday morning, will most likely face leg amputation according to a press release from the Chickasha Police Department.

    June 10, 2013 1 Photo