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Richland lawmakers want tighter rules on medical marijuana
RICHLAND — Two Richland lawmakers have their eyes on medical marijuana in the 
upcoming legislative session.
Rep. Larry Haler and Sen. Jerome Delvin each are planning legislation that would tighten rules for when marijuana can be used as a medicine.
With the start of the 2010 session about two weeks away, Haler already has prefiled a bill that would restrict when those charged with drug offenses can use medical marijuana as a defense.
According to the state Department of Health, patients with a terminal or debilitating illness are allowed to possess a 60-day supply of marijuana with a written recommendation from a doctor.
Report: marijuana, prescription drug use up among teens
A national study widely considered to be an important indicator of youth 
drug abuse showed progress with some drugs but widespread problems with marijuana and prescription or over-the-counter drugs.
The study, compiled by the University of Michigan for the federal National Institute on Drug Abuse, found that 7 of the 10 drugs most abused by high school seniors are prescription or over-the-counter drugs acquired primarily from teens’ friends or relatives.
“I am not surprised by this new study because not just teens, but society as a whole is looking for instant gratification … [and] teens are increasingly turning to prescription drugs because they want to feel things in this second,” says Clare Kavin, executive director of the Waismann Method, a drug treatment program. “They have been taught to take a pill to lose weight, to treat acne, to fall asleep, and to focus better in schools. Teens are under the impression that pills are the best way to treat any mental, physical, or social issues.”
Marijuana growth, use hot topic in ’09
Marijuana was in the news in New Hampshire in 2009.
Hollis farmer David Orde’s arrest for growing pot drew widespread interest, and the spotlight was later trained on the state Legislature after it tried to legalize marijuana for medical use.
Orde, 54, was arrested in July 2008 on felony marijuana-growing charges after a Hollis police officer went to serve him with a complaint for failing to license his dog. After getting no answer at the main door, the officer went around to the side of the house at 2 Blood Road and spotted 16 marijuana plants growing in pots on a deck.
