cannabisnews.com: Senate Approves Medical Marijuana Bill





Senate Approves Medical Marijuana Bill
Posted by CN Staff on April 04, 2003 at 15:35:44 PT
By John Biemer, The Associated Press
Source: Baltimore Sun 
Annapolis -- The state Senate approved a medical marijuana bill on Friday, leaving Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. to decide whether to significantly reduce criminal penalties for seriously ill people who can prove they smoke pot to ease their symptoms.Ehrlich has repeatedly said that he supports the concept of medical marijuana, but he has not taken a stand on the legislation headed to his desk.
The Senate voted 30-16 in favor of the bill passed earlier by the House of Delegates. The Senate had approved its' own identical version of the bill a week earlier, but needed to pass the House version to send the bill to the governor.The legislation would set a maximum fine of $100 and no jail time for defendants who can convince a judge they need to smoke marijuana for medical reasons. Under current state law, possession or use of marijuana can bring penalties of up to a year in prison or a $1,000 fine.Backers of the legislation say smoking marijuana can ease the symptoms of serious illnesses such as cancer, HIV or AIDS, multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease, and can help patients suffering from nausea hold down food and medications.The legislation has bipartisan support in Annapolis, where one of the primary sponsors was Sen. David Brinkley, R-Frederick, who underwent radiation treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1989. In brief comments before the vote Friday, Brinkley thanked lawmakers for their support of the bill."This chamber's taken a great step forward," he said.But some Republicans in Washington, including White House drug czar John P. Walters, have been pressuring Ehrlich to veto the measure, which they say offers a false and illegal remedy to the sick.Ehrlich spokesman Henry Fawell said Ehrlich "appreciates the input" from the Bush administration, but "there certainly is a difference in philosophy when it comes to medical marijuana." Note: 30-16 vote leaves Ehrlich to decide whether to cut penalties for those who can prove they need pot to ease symptoms.Copyright: 2003 The Associated Press Source: Baltimore Sun (MD)Author: John Biemer, The Associated PressPublished: April 4, 2003Copyright: 2003 The Baltimore SunContact: letters baltsun.comWebsite: http://www.sunspot.net/Related Articles & Web Site:Medical Marijuana Information Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/medical.htmGOP Leaders Press Ehrlich To Veto Marijuanahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread15873.shtmlDrug Czar Calls Marijuana Bill Immoralhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread15791.shtml 
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Comment #3 posted by druid on April 04, 2003 at 16:34:50 PT
some stuff this article doesn't cover
Yesterday, John P. Walters, the White House drug policy coordinator, used a speech in Baltimore to criticize proponents of medical marijuana, saying they had "conned" the Maryland General Assembly into supporting the measure.He warned of the risk of subjecting the state to lawsuits and increased drug abuse if the bill becomes law."We stand in the city that I believe has suffered more from drug abuse and addiction than any city in the United States," Walters said while attending a drug-prevention conference downtown. "It is an outrage that, in this state, the legalizers would come here to try to put additional people in harm's way."Ehrlich, who co-sponsored medical marijuana legislation in Congress, is unfazed by Walters' warnings."I have always taken pride in my independent streak," Ehrlich said. "I respect those guys. They have a legitimate point of view, but we have a point of view too. ... I can take some pressure."Several Republican congressmen peppered Ehrlich with questions about his stance when the governor was on Capitol Hill last week.Ehrlich spokesman Greg Massoni said the congressmen asked, "Are you really going to sign a marijuana bill?"In the past, Ehrlich has indicated that his position transcends party politics because he watched his brother-in-law die of cancer two years ago."I think most people can discern a clear difference between legalizing substances that wreck lives as opposed to a life situation where someone is doing something because of severe pain," Ehrlich said.
GOP leaders press Ehrlich to veto medical marijuana
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Comment #2 posted by delariand on April 04, 2003 at 16:13:22 PT
I don't understand...
How can the antis say there is anything wrong with this measure? It does nothing but allow defendants to use a medical defense for state charges. If the judge decides the medical defense is bull, the person can be charged normally, and if the person has legitimate medical need, they are protected from more serious penalties.Opposing this bill is opposing compassion, it helps no criminals and hurts no innocents.
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on April 04, 2003 at 15:38:39 PT
Good News
Here's a little good news!
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