Madison NORML

Source: Core Weekly
Pubdate: January 19, 2006
Author: Nathan J. Comp

[January 27, 2006: Note: The Core Weekly, published by Madison Newspapers, Inc., which also publishes the Wisconsin State Journal and the Capital Times, has ceased publication as of this week. Madison NORML extends our thanks for all the cannabis-friendly coverage from core weekly and itseditor, Nathan Comp and great staff writers. We'll miss ya, CW!]

MEDICAL MARIJUANA ADVOCATE WON'T SEEK RE-ELECTION

Supporters of a medical marijuana bill currently working its way through the Legislature were shocked to learn that the bill's sponsor, Rep. Gregg Underheim (R-Oshkosh), will not seek re-election in November. Underheim, who made the announcement last week, has served in Assembly for 19 years.

Last October, Underheim bucked his party's leadership to introduce AB-740, which follows the lead of 11 other states in legalizing marijuana for medicinal use. It is the first time since 1979 that the Legislature has considered a medical marijuana bill.

"It's disappointing," said Gary Storck, a local advocate who uses marijuana to ease the symptoms of glaucoma and other ailments. "Now it's back to square one."

Though the Assembly health committee might vote on the bill, it's unlikely to get a floor vote in the Assembly and even more unlikely that the Senate would take up the issue. Come March, in other words, the bill is dead.

Storck, who co-founded the group Is My Medicine Legal YET?, said he never expected AB-740 to pass the Legislature, but hoped it would've gone further.

Underheim introduced the bill in October and, because he chaired the health committee, the bill got prompt attention. He realized the medical benefits of marijuana after being diagnosed with cancer. coreweekly's calls to Underheim inquiring whether he will pursue medical marijuana causes in his retirement were unreturned.

"He showed that politicians can learn," said Storck, referring to Underheim's 180-degree turn from prior opposition on the issue. "We're hoping another door might open."

A door might open in November. If Democrats, several of whom are AB-740 co-sponsors, take 11 Assembly seats and three Senate seats, they will regain control of the Legislature.

"The good people of Wisconsin will continue pushing for this," said Storck.