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Vermont Governor to Join Other Governor's Requesting Change in Federal Marijuana Status

By Pat Bradley

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-995670.mp3

Montpelier, VT – Shumlin plans to sign on to a letter sent by Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee and Washington Governor Christine Gregoire to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration petitioning for a change in marijuana's status. They want it reclassified under federal law to a Schedule 2 drug. That would allow doctors to prescribe it and pharmacists to dispense it. The states issuing the letter to the D.E.A. notes that medical marijuana patients do not currently have a "safe and consistent source of the drug" and those states that have decriminalized marijuana for medical use are "struggling with managing safe access". Marijuana Policy Project Communications Manager Morgan Fox says the request to reclassify marijuana will help move the conversation forward.

But, Fox adds, the petition will not have any impact on federal law.

Vermont's current medical marijuana law requires those that are approved to use the drug register with the Department of Public Safety. Vermont Cannabis Coalition Founder Denny Lane is a registered patient.

The governors' letter was also sent to the U.S. Attorney General, and the heads of U.S. Health and Human Services and FDA.