A "joint" resolution
So Rep. Earl Jones wants to study medical marijuana. He filed H 2405 today.
The measure would not legalize marijuana for medicinal use. Rather, it seeks a legislative study, which is a way that legislators float ideas and round up support for an idea. Jones said he would hope to file a legalization bill in 2008.
He said he was hoping for a "joint" study committee, which really means that both House and Senate members would sit on it, but sounds far funnier than that in this context. Such bills usually get wrapped into one omnibus piece of legislation that governs all study bills at the end of session, so what he's really doing by filing the bill is asking leaders to stick this study in that package.
"It's a health and quality of life issues," Jones said. There is evidence, he said, that medical use of marijuana can help those with cancer and other diseases combat symptoms of their illness and/or treatment. "Once people get accurate information, they always support the right position."
But I'll let Jones tell you more himself.