Two state lawmakers are pushing to make it harder for some medical marijuana patients to get the drug. But they're facing some serious legal hurdles.
The 2010 voter-approved law allows patients with certain medical conditions to obtain up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana every two weeks.
Rep. Kelly Townsend, R-Mesa, wants to take that right away from pregnant women. She says there are studies which show the drug can harm the fetus.
And Rep. Jay Lawrence, R-Fountain Hills, has a separate measure that would allow only MDs and DOs (doctors of osteopathic medicine) to recommend the drug despite the law also giving that right to naturopaths and homeopaths.
"It is their main business writing prescriptions-- and writing them for 'I don't feel well today,'" Lawrence said of prescribers of medical cannibas. "I think they are taking advantage. It's a money-making scheme."
But here's the problem: the Arizona Constitution bars lawmakers from tinkering with voter-approved laws unless they 'further the purpose' of the original act.
Chris Lindsey of the Marijuana Policy Project which crafted the 2010 law said both proposals work against what voters want. But Lawrence said his measure will withstand legal challenge.
"It furthers the purpose by restricting the amount of marijuana on the streets and in people's homes to those who really deserve and need it," he said.
And Townsend said hers furthers the law by preventing child abuse. Neither measure has yet been set for a hearing.