Md. Gov. Signs Medical Marijuana Bill

Associated Press ^ | May 22, 2003 | Angela Porter

[Wolfie]

Md. Gov. Signs Medical Marijuana Bill

Baltimore -- Refusing to bend to pressure from the Bush administration, Republican Gov. Robert Ehrlich signed a bill Thursday that reduces criminal penalties for seriously ill people who smoke marijuana. Ehrlich is the first GOP governor to sign a bill protecting medical marijuana patients from jail, according to the Marijuana Policy Project. The Bush administration had pressed him to veto the measure.

Ehrlich had indicated his support for the bill early on as a way to help people with chronic illnesses ease their pain.

"This is a position I've had for many, many years," Ehrlich said Thursday. "It's not without controversy across parties, across chambers, across states, across the country."

The new law does not legalize marijuana, but reduces the penalty to a maximum $100 fine with no jail time if defendants convince a judge they need marijuana for medical reasons. Previously, possession or use of marijuana brought penalties of up to a year in prison or a $1,000 fine.

Supporters of the legislation say smoking marijuana can ease the symptoms of serious illnesses such as cancer or AIDS and help patients suffering from nausea hold down food and medications.

Opponents, including White House drug czar John P. Walters, have objected that marijuana is a false and illegal remedy.

"It would be truly unfortunate if today's actions led, however unintentionally, to greater use or availability of dangerous drugs in Maryland," Walters said.

Eight other states - Hawaii, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, Nevada and Maine - have medical marijuana laws.

In Washington, House Republicans want to move drug enforcement money from state and local police officers to federal agents in states that have legalized medical marijuana.

[CJ Wolf]

Wow look at that, a republican with some sense on the drug war. It's a start.

[marktwain]

Hmmm... They left out Arizona. Oh, yeah, after the people passed an initiative for medical marijuana, the legislature overrode it, bowing to the pressure of the feds.

Then the people passed an intialtive changing the state Constitution so that the legislature could no longer change initiatives, passed by the people. Now the legislature is boxed into a corner and does not have the flexibility to balance the budget.

All in the name of the stupid War on Some Drugs.

[KarlInOhio]

How soon until the federales bust down the door on Maryland, shoot up the place, and confiscate the entire state under civil forfiture laws?

[blau993]

I suspect a pragmatic motive -- the legislation may encourage some of the sick RATS who run the State legislature to increase their pot intake and thereby mellow out.

[Ham Hock]

It is my understanding that all the gov did was reduce the fine from $1k to $100. A person would still have to prove he/she was using it for medical reasons and it would not impact penalties for other people.

I am anti-marijuana and his actions are ok with me.

[steve50]

How soon until the federales bust down the door on Maryland, shoot up the place, and confiscate the entire state under civil forfiture laws

In a manner they're working on it. There's a bill working it's way thru congress to withhold federal money from police depts. in states that allow medical or reduce penalties on cannabis, and to use federal funds to lobby against any state legislation on the issue. Of course they won't call it blackmail or extortion, which it really is.

[Wolfie]

I understand that the bill goes even further, allowing the Feds to spend tax dollars to oppose any candidate for office who opposes the Drug War.

[ampat]

Must be trying to draw people to MD to raise tax revenue.

[steve50]

I understand that the bill goes even further, allowing the Feds to spend tax dollars to oppose any candidate for office who opposes the Drug War.

Amazing, if true. I wonder if they will have an exemption from the CFR rules that prevent naming candidates 60 days prior. Stupid question on my part, of course they will.

[headsonpikes]

John Walters should be placed on trial for subversion of the Constitution.

Tried, convicted, and punished.

IMO.

[robertpaulsen]

"if defendants convince a judge they need marijuana for medical reasons"

So, even if they're able to convince a judge that they really, really need marijuana for their Irritable Bowel Syndrome, they still have to cough up 100 bucks?

You gotta love laws like this. It joins other Baltimore laws like "it's illegal to throw bales of hay from a second story window within the city limits" and "it's illegal to take a lion to the movies."

[PaxMacian]

Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

[dogbyte12]

Wait a second. This guy is a republican? I thought that George Soros was plotting only with democrats on this issue? You know those democrats like George Shultz, Milton Friedman, and William F. Buckley.

The Drug Warriors are dying out, they just don't know it yet.

[robertpaulsen]

"I am a limited-government libertarian, not an anarchist libertarian, though I have a great deal of sympathy for anarchist libertarians, including the fact that my son is one." -- Milton Friedman, 1991 speech.

[dogbyte12]

Name me a nationally prominent democratic politician in this fight.

Thanks

[steve-b]

John Walters should be placed on trial for subversion of the Constitution.
Tried, convicted, and punished.

Your name indicates the appropriate punishment.

[little Vir wave]

[robertpaulsen]

You didn't, why should I? Besides, that's not where the battle is being fought.

Look at the legislatures passing medical marijuana or decriminalization laws. Primarily Democrats.

[Wolfie]

ping

[headsonpikes]

Good point.