"What we've seen in Vermont, as well as some other states where we've been working in the legislature, is that our problem is not with public opinion," said Bruce Mirken, communications director for MPP. "Polls nationally show about 80 percent of people support allowing people who are seriously ill to use medical marijuana without fear of arrest. So our problem is a disconnect between public opinion and what's happening in the legislature."

The group is searching for a statewide political coordinator to organize its efforts in the state. "You can take the fact that we're hiring a full-time person at the $50,000 to $70,000 salary level as an indication of how serious we are about this," Mirken said. "We will put in a level of resources that's necessary."

The Vermont Senate passed a measure this year legalizing marijuana for medical purposes. Under the legislation, a patient who receives a doctor's certification would be registered with the state Health Department to use medical marijuana.

The bill also allows a patient's caregiver to register with the Health Department to grow medical marijuana.

The group plans to focus its efforts on members of the Vermont House of Representatives, where the bill has lost steam.

Vermont Gov. James Douglas also opposes the measure.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

SUBMIT A COMMENT:

Note: Comments are now held for moderator approval. More info

Name:
Comment: (limit 250 words)
Enter this word (help):	Change

GUIDELINES: 
Please keep comments on-topic, courteous, clean, non-commercial, and within the word limit.
Read the complete guidelines