By Monterey Bud
As Utah State legislators prepare to discuss the overdue idea of truly legalizing real medical marijuana in the Beehive State, their Democratic candidate for governor Mike Weinholtz, has pledged to push for MMJ legislation, if elected.
Shocking few, the epiphany came after Weinholtz’s wife, Donna Weinholtz, 61, entered a guilty plea to misdemeanor marijuana charges for the possession of two pounds of pot in their Utah home. Hours after her emotional press conference on Tuesday, the Democratic candidate for Governor tearfully pleaded for state lawmakers to address the legalization of medical marijuana, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.
Currently, THC free, Utah’s extremely conservative MMJ law only allows those residents with severe forms of epilepsy to utilize a CBD oil that contains no psychoactive cannabinoids.
Stricken with arthritis and a degenerative spinal condition, Donna Weinholtz strongly supports the idea of medicinal cannabis as an alternative to opioids.
“I, like many Utahns, made a deliberate and conscious decision to use cannabis, knowing full well that it is against the law.”
Standing up for the masses that support medical marijuana in the Beehive State, the wife of Utah’s next potential governor faced up to six months behind bars if convicted. Instead, Mrs. Weinholtz struck a plea deal with prosecutors on Tuesday, eliminating any potential jail time and replacing it with a $3800 fine.
Meanwhile, back at the Utah State Capital, the legislative committee tapped to address the growing medical marijuana issue is scheduled to meet today; deliberating whether or not marijuana should be legal for people with specific medical conditions that have proven to be unresponsive to Western pharmaceuticals.
With the next legislative session just around the corner, enthusiasts of medical marijuana have found a brave new sponsor for Utah’s next attempt at passing effective medical marijuana legislation – Republican Rep. Gage Froerer of Huntsville, Utah. Focused on the future, Rep. Gage Froerer intends on sponsoring legislation that would cover a broad spectrum of medical ailments.
A total long shot by most accounts; if nominated Utah’s next Gov., Mike Weinholtz promised he’ll reform the current law his wife felt compelled to righteously violate.
“To challenge the growing crisis of opioid abuse in Utah I hereby declare my full support for the legalization of medical cannabis and as governor, I will work to make that happen.”
Historically a Republican stronghold and staunchly conservative, Republican Gov. Gary Herbert currently holds a 33 point lead, according to the latest poll.
