OLYMPIA -- Starting tomorrow, Washingtonians with terminal or debilitating medical conditions will have better access to medical authorization to relieve their suffering.

"Many patients rely on medical professionals other than MDs and ODs. To remain committed to Washington voters’ long commitment to medical marijuana for qualifying patients, we must allow additional medical professionals to recommend medical marijuana," Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, said.

Senate Bill 5798, sponsored by Kohl-Welles, extends the ability to authorize the medical use of marijuana to other licensed health professionals who are authorized to prescribe controlled substances. Professionals who qualify include naturopathic doctors, advanced registered nurse practitioners, physician assistants and osteopathic physician assistants.

“This bill will provide real relief to those who are suffering, particularly those who live in rural areas and low-income individuals who typically see advanced nurse practitioners rather than MDs. Providing this relief honors the will of the voters who overwhelmingly approved the medical-marijuana initiative in 1998,” Kohl-Welles said. “It will not make marijuana more readily available to non-qualifying individuals.”

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For more information:           Anne Burkland, 360-786-7078

For interviews:                       Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, 206-281-6854