Bill to Prohibit Medical Cannabis Patients from being Denied Organ Transplants Passes California Assembly
With
an overwhelming 52 to 8 vote, California’s full Assembly has passed Assembly Bill 258, a proposal to prohibit medical cannabis patients from being denied organ transplants based on their cannabis use, or their status as a qualified patient.
“Today, I am proud to stand with my Assembly colleagues in support of AB 258, a common sense measure that will protect the lives of legal medical cannabis patients,” said Assemblymember Marc Levine (D-San Rafael), the author of the bill, after yesterday’s vote. “With this legislation, California can insure that its residents are provided a fair assessment of their eligibility as an organ transplant recipient.”
Specifically, Assembly Bill 258 will ensure that “A hospital, physician and surgeon, procurement organization, or other person shall not determine the ultimate recipient of an anatomical gift based solely upon a potential recipient’s status as a qualified patient… or based solely on a positive test for the use of medical marijuana by a potential recipient who is a qualified patient.”
The proposal now awaits consideration by California’s Senate.
– TheJointBlog
NorCalNative
Great news, I lost a young friend undergoing kidney dialysis that was denied a new organ because of his medicinal cannabis use. He died at 23-years-old, and prohibition likely signed his death certificate.
Tim Covert sr
I’m so glad this has gone the way it has so far… I use MJ and I have offered my body for parts when I die.
I will withdraw my offer if it doesn’t pass to law, fair is fair. Don’t go telling me some one will die if they don’t get a part from me, I’m contaminated.