Lawmakers face pressure to vote against medical marijuana

SALT LAKE CITY — Lawmakers say they’re getting more pressure from pro-marijuana groups to vote against the medical marijuana compromise during a special session after election day.

Libertas Institute President Connor Boyack says their polling shows minds are already made up about medical marijuana and there are very few undecided voters.

Some compromise supporters say they understand why patients wouldn’t necessarily trust lawmakers though.

Boyack says he understands why people would doubt the legislature would back the deal.

“We’ve been at this for four or five years and there’s a lot of distrust among these people for legislators who have been indifferent, if not hostile towards this effort,” said Boyack.

Recently, lawmakers have been getting questionnaires from a group called TRUCE, Together for Responsible Use and Cannabis Education, asking lawmakers if they plan to support the medical marijuana compromise.

Some lawmakers even tell the Deseret News the tone of the questionnaire is almost threatening.

However, his group will be endorsing the compromise during the special session believing it’s the best way to move the medical marijuana effort forward.

“We think that’s strategically the best path forward for the long-term success of a medical cannabis program,” Boyack said.