http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?he...67c3e7b-f9a6-441c-8f81-b97e08df095b
Concord – Medical marijuana backers will have to go back to work at the State House in January.
The Legislature failed today to override Gov. John Lynch’s veto of a bill that would have allowed seriously and terminally ill patients legal access to marijuana. It takes a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate to override a veto.
The Senate was the stumbling block for backers of the bill, House Bill 648. Senators voted as they did in the spring 14-10 to override, but it takes 16 Senate for a two-thirds majority.
The override move succeeded in the House, which voted 240-115 to reject the veto, over the margin it needed.
The bill would have allowed those with debilitating or terminal illness to buy marijuana at one of three compassion centers in the state.
Opponents said the bill needs a more specific definition of what constitutes a debilitating medical condition.
Those in favor of it argued on grounds of compassion and common sense, saying patients need the relief if provides and law enforcement has shown declining interest in opposing it.
Both the House and Senate upheld Lynch’s vetoes of three other bills.
and some of the comments:
Good. I'm glad the senate, at least, didn't fall for this stealth drug legalization bill.
- Stephen A., Manchester
Getting high makes people feel better? No kiddin'.. It amazes me how many liberals fall for that. Medical marijuana is pushed drug users, not the seriously ill. There are thousands of medications that will be just as if not more effective. All legalization will do is cause more people to drive while impaired (detection is more difficult than with alcohol) and provide even easier access to kids.
- Joe, Manchester
