California Governor Wilson Vetoes Marijuana Legislation Again

MEDICAL MARIJUANA December 1995

On September 12 the California Assembly passed AB 1529, which would have provided a defense for people with AIDS, cancer, glaucoma, or multiple sclerosis who are caught possessing or growing marijuana, provided they have written endorsement from their doctor. The bill was sponsored by Assemblyman John Vasconcellos (D-San Jose).

Wilson vetoed similar legislation in 1993 and 1994 (see "Legislature Passes Medical Marijuana, Needle Exchange Bills; Wilson Vetoes Them," NewsBriefs, September-October 1994, p. 5). Wilson spokesperson Jesus Arredondo said the governor supported the position of the Clinton administration that "marijuana should not be legalized for any purpose" (Greg Lucas, "Bill Flow Slows As Senate, Assembly Fight Over Funds," San Francisco Chronicle, September 13, 1995, p. A16).

"In a free society, people who are ill shouldn't be made criminals to alleviate their pain," said Assemblyman Vasconcellos. "Wilson is engaging in the politics of pain."

[For more information, contact Dale Gieringer, California NORML, 2215-R Market Street #278, San Francisco, CA 94114, 415-563-5858 or Dennis Peron, Californians for Compassionate Use, 3745 Seventeenth Street, San Francisco, CA 94114, 415-864-1961.]