Utah GOP rejects medical marijuana resolution

DJ Schanz speaks in favor of a medical cannabis resolution at the Utah GOP state convention on May 20, 2017. | Photo by Ben Winslow, FOX 13 News, St. George News

SANDY — Delegates to the Utah Republican Party state convention rejected a resolution in support of medical marijuana.

In a 70% to 29% vote on Saturday, the delegates voted down the resolution in support of cannabis to treat a number of medical conditions. It came after a vigorous debate on the convention floor both for and against it.


Read more: Utah Republicans to consider resolution supporting medical cannabis


“This is about freedom and choice,” said DJ Schanz, who brought the resolution to the party delegates.

Supporters told stories about people with medical needs and how cannabis has or could help them. Opponents called it a “gateway drug” and believed it could bring recreational marijuana to the state.

“This is not a medicine,” said Dr. Paul Clayton of the Utah Medical Association, who is also a GOP delegate who spoke against the resolution.

Read the full story here:  Fox13Now.com.

Written by BEN WINSLOW, Fox13Now.com

Copyright 2017, KSTU. A Tribune broadcasting station

 

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12 Comments

  • Chris May 20, 2017 at 6:38 pm

    So, the Utah GOP comes down on the side of the nanny state, letting government dictate how we live our lives and what we put in our bodies. Hypocrites, one and all.

    • desertgirl May 21, 2017 at 8:42 am

      Like Sonny Bono said “and the beat goes on”.

  • Chris May 20, 2017 at 6:45 pm

    “gateway drug” ??? The gateway drugs in this state are the legal opioids that people like Paul Clayton prescribe to their patients with chronic pain. Those are the drugs that lead to addiction and overdose deaths, not cannabis. But of course, Clayton and other docs get a nice kickback from the pharmaceutical companies for all the Oxycontin, etc. that they prescribe to excess, so increased income trumps civic responsibility every time.

    • high5 May 21, 2017 at 7:00 am

      Yep Pretty Sad- give em pills then n let em Die like they Have Been?
      Cannabis Is A Medicine Mr Quack!!
      #geteducated

  • desertgirl May 21, 2017 at 8:42 am

    Conservatism is not at the root of the rejection of medical marijuana; ignorance, fear, and control hungry politicians from all sides. Add to that the Mormon religion in our beautiful state of Utah so against choice.
    I’ve personally seen the positive results marijuana has on some people treating pain, anxiety, and nausea. Medical marijuana is a tool and option to add to arsenal of treatments.

    The fight will go on and I hope more people will support and press the Utah politicians until this choice of treatment is added.

    • Real Life May 21, 2017 at 10:59 am

      The local Nazi party will never see the light. Too worried about “evil” marijuana, and “evil” beer and wine. Meanwhile the women are all jacked up on anti depressants because they got married too young, pumped out six kids, hate their husbands, and hate their life.

  • comments May 21, 2017 at 9:13 am

    So our mormon GOP politicians will continue to sweep utah’s opioid epidemic under the table and pretend it doesn’t exist? Wonderful LDS politicians.

  • radioviking May 21, 2017 at 2:24 pm

    The biggest problem here is the fact that the Utah GOP is not representing their constituents on this issue. Put this to a vote and medical marijuana would be voted in by the majority of Utah voters. The Utah GOP are not hearing their constituents! Speak up Utah.
    .
    Call your representatives! Let them know that medical marijuana needs to be legalized to meet the needs of many people (children, women, and men – young and old) who have medical conditions which can be taken care of easily and quickly. Do your research and look beyond the cliche taboos. Science is providing much evidence to show this is true – canabis can effectively treat many health problems. Old opinions and traditions against canabis (marijuana) based on cultural taboos and ignorance need to be left behind.

  • ladybugavenger May 21, 2017 at 2:48 pm

    Pain pills are killing people! These opioids are dangerous, addicting, and kill people and their families and most heroin addicts started with pain pills (ladybugs statistic)
    .marijuana is none of these things

  • Anejo May 22, 2017 at 7:41 am

    I’m sure Utah will be one of the last states to hold out when it eventually goes federal. It’s a shame too because that sweet, sweet, taxation money could be rolled into treating those ravaged by the opioid epidemic.

    1/10 Utah. Bold commitment to your core voters, but ultimately myopic in the problem solving area.

  • Airemechanic May 22, 2017 at 10:29 am

    as a 3 time cancer survivor, the last time I tried frankincense, turmeric & medicinal (edible) CBD oil, while I did do the chemo & radiation the last time, in June 2016, I began a daily regiment of the above holistic ingredients, Today after 3 major tests spaced 3 months apart, the doctors can not find cancer in my body….. you connect the dots….

    • Real Life May 22, 2017 at 2:41 pm

      Well if the Mormons say it’s bad for you, then it’s bad for you here in The People’s Republic of Utah.

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