Tempers flared at the state capitol Tuesday over a bill that would legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes. Dozens of supporters, some in wheelchairs, packed into a room where lawmakers were holding a hearing on the measure. Republican State Rep. Leah Vukmir accused the bill's sponsors of using chronically ill patients to push a secret agenda.
"What I think what I resent most is this facade you're putting forth, using people who are dying cancer, who have other illnesses as your shield. I think it's nothing more than a ruse to move towards full legalization of marijuana," Vukmir says.
Vukmir's comments drew boos and jeers from the audience. One of the authors of the bill, Democratic State Sen. Jon Erpenbach, denied the goal is to legalize marijuana for everyone.
"As you know I've got two teenage kids. What you don't know is I've had a family member struggle with addiction his entire life, all because of drugs. The last thing I want to see have happen is full legalization," Erpenbach says.
The Assembly Health committee is expected to act on the bill at a later date.
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