Connecticut House Bill HB06509

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/19
• Refer: 1/28/19

Caption

An Act Permitting Patients With Neuropathic Pain To Engage In The Palliative Use Of Marijuana.

Impact

If passed, HB 06509 would have significant implications for state laws concerning the use of medical marijuana. It would expand the list of recognized debilitating conditions that can justify the medicinal use of marijuana, thereby potentially increasing the number of patients eligible to receive marijuana as a form of treatment. This bill reinforces the state's commitment to improving patient care by acknowledging the medical benefits of marijuana in alleviating severe pain.

Summary

House Bill 06509 is a legislative proposal aimed at permitting patients who experience neuropathic pain to engage in the palliative use of marijuana. This bill seeks to amend the general statutes to classify neuropathic pain as a debilitating medical condition, thus allowing qualifying patients access to medical marijuana for pain relief purposes. The intent behind the bill is to provide an alternative means of managing chronic pain for individuals suffering from neuropathic pain symptoms.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 06509 may raise points of contention regarding the appropriateness of using marijuana for medical purposes. Supporters of the bill argue that this addition is crucial for enhancing the quality of life for patients with neuropathic pain, providing them with much-needed relief where traditional treatments may not be effective. However, opponents may raise concerns about the implications of expanding marijuana use, including discussions on public health, regulation of medical marijuana, and potential for abuse. Balancing the needs of patients with broader societal implications will likely be a key point of debate among legislators.