Federal relaxation of medical marijuana policy has no impact on Missouri, yet
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Federal relaxation of medical marijuana policy has no impact on Missouri, yet

Date: October 19, 2009
By: Theo Keith
State Capitol Bureau

Intro:  It's not an all-out legalization, but President Obama has taken yet another step to relax the federal government's rules on medical marijuana. Theo Keith has more from Jefferson City. 
RunTime:  0:47
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: President Obama is telling federal prosecutors not to press charges against medical marijuana users in the 14 states that OK the practice.

It's a break from former President George W. Bush, who said his administration would prosecute users in all states.

Missouri hasn't legalized medical marijuana, so the feds can still press charges here.

Jackson County Democratic Representative Kate Meiners says it's just too controversial for many state lawmakers to support.

Actuality:  MEINER2.WAV
Run Time:  00:10
Description: "Not that I'm a Gloomy Gus or anything, I just think that, for some reason, marijuana has a stigma, and I'm just trying to grasp why."

Meiners sponsored a bill last spring to legalize medical marijuana, but it didn't even get a committee hearing.

From the State Capitol, I'm Theo Keith, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.

 

Intro:  President Obama is telling federal prosecutors not to press charges against some medical marrijuana users, and one Missouri lawmaker says it may open the door to legalize use in this state. Theo Keith has more from Jefferson City.
RunTime:  0:40
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: President Obama's decision to grant safety to medical marijuana users in the 14 states that allow its use reverses Bush administration policies.

Missouri doesn't allow medical marijuana.

Jackson County Democratic Representative Kate Meiners sponsored a bill last spring to legalize it, but says the bill didn't go anywhere because lawmakers were afraid the feds would prosecute users anyway.

She says now there may new hope.

Actuality:  MEINER1.WAV
Run Time:  00:07
Description: "I think that's gonna open up a window, but what we need opened is a door. And I think the door would be a federal law."

Meiners says it's unlikely lawmakers will legalize medical marijuana in Missouri anytime soon.

From the State Capitol, I'm Theo Keith, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.