Medical Marijuana Bill Still On Track To Pass

A huge hurdle for proponents of medical marijuana in Louisiana was cleared yesterday. A House committee approved a bill that had already been approved by the Senate. This put legalization of medical marijuana one step closer to becoming law. One other major factor in the continued progress of this legislation is the change in attitude that the Louisiana Sheriffs Association has toward the bill.

Mike Ranatza, Executive Director for the Sheriffs Association, says the tighter controls placed on the medical marijuana by this version of the bill are the reason his group is no longer in opposition.

We wanted medicine not marijuana to be dispensed, we wanted medication to be dispensed by physicians going through phararmacists in a medical setting

Ranatza's comments were reported by the Louisiana Radio Network.

Up next for the bill written and sponsored by Acadiana Senator Fred Mills is debate on the House floor. After that debate has concluded members will take a vote on the legislation and if it passes it will become law.