A medical marijuana bill that would provide treatment to eligible Marylanders was met with both appreciation and criticism by local activist groups.
During a Jan. 26 press conference, Delegate Dan K. Morhaim, assured that marijuana would simply be "another tool in the tool box" for physicians.
The bipartisan legislation would reclassify marijuana as a Schedule II drug, making it less restricted and available for further research. Also, It would allow eligible patients to receive medical marijuana, as prescribed by physicians with whom they share an ongoing relationship.
Unlike some other states' laws, the bill does not allow patients to grow their own marijuana, but instead designates state run and regulated centers where the drugs can be either produced or distributed. Morhaim stated that the bill would be "the most narrow and constrained of any."
Damien Nichols, Member Coordinator for MD Safe Access, a grassroots organization campaigning for medical cannabis, stated that he was "thrilled" with how the bill turned out. He acknowledged that, if passed, the bill "would provide a significant improvement in quality of life for thousands of Maryland residents."
"It's not perfect. But no existing medical marijuana law is. It's conservative. It's very tightly controlled. But at the same time, it gives patients reasonable access to medical marijuana. "
However, the bill does not allow patients to grow their own marijuana, and this could be a cause for concern. "An August 2009 American Journal of Medicine report showed that medical bills prompted more than 60 percent of US bankruptcies. With proper regulations, there is no reason people shouldn't have the right to grow an herb that can treat their ailments and lower their medical expenses at the same time," said Nichols.
Americans for Safe Access, a national organization pushing for medical marijuana usage and research, responded with similar doubts, "we sincerely appreciate the time and energy Del. Morhaim has invested in drafting this legislation; however, we are concerned that it may fall short of the legitimate needs of patients in the community."
"This isn't an ideological issue, it's a compassion issue," argued Senator David Brinkley, R-Frederick, who is also backing the bill.
Brinkley, a cancer survivor, believes the option should at least be on the table. "If ever we reach the threshold of what medicine can deliver, [we should] ensure there's some type of alternative treatment."
Maryland would be the latest in a line of at least 14 states that have legalized medical marijuana, the most recent being New Jersey. Both Virginia and Washington, D.C., have medical marijuana bills in the works.
Based on numbers gathered from states that have passed similar bills, Morhaim estimates that approximately 1000 people per month could register for eligibility, if the bill were to be passed.
Morhaim plans to file the bill next week.
Comments
So this is how our public servants want to increase the tax base? By attracting thousands of useless, unemployed potheads with "health problems" to move to Maryland so they can legally get high?
Harian-- People who suffer from severe medical issues will no doubt benefit from this law. Disorders and treatment of disorders ranging from cancer to AIDS, hepatitis to PTSD, all stand to benefit from the therapeutic use of medical marijuana, and instead of criminalizing these sick people, the burden is not only on the state to provide safe access, but on our community to educate itself about what marijuana has to offer. For too long prohibition has blinded us from the truth about marijuana, and it is time to remove the sick and dying from the battlefield in the War on Drugs. Please find more information at Americans for Safe Access's website. I would paste a link for you here, but it is prohibiting me from doing so to post my response to you. There is much to learn, and if you have any questions you have, I am happy to help :)
@ Harlan
youre a dumbass. research the facts. if "'unemployed potheads with health problems'" wanted to move somewhere where they could "'legally get high'" they could go to another one of the 13 states that have medical marijuana laws already enacted.
@Harlan
You sir are the moron. Pot heads are not unemployed. I know many who have great jobs, Some even in the Gov't. I know of people making 6 figures and people who make minimum wage that smoke. They are not bad people. They are tax payers and no more harmful than alcohol drinkers or cigarette smokers. People who have cancer do benefit from this drug as well as some other diseases, read the science.
Not to mention, you can't overdose on it. It's argubly one of the safest substances on earth. There are 100 deaths per year from aspirin. Marijuana has none. Don't be closed minded. If you were dying from cancer or aids or any other disease and the doctor told you you could benefit from this would you say NO, let me die? Or No it's illegal I rather die than break the law to save my life? How old are you 70? Get real, your next door neighbor prolly smokes a joint every night before he goes to bed.
This law does will be the strictest med pot law in the country. This isn't heroin or
BTW Harlan there are 14 states. Also DC is about to enact its Med Pot law that they have had on the books since 1998. Not to mention 14 other states that are looking at legalizing med use this year alone.
The Interwebs is strong in this article...
The Interwebs is strong in this article...
people don't move to get high legally , they just become criminals
not being able to grow your own "medicine" is basically keeping it illegal
the drug laws fuel the supply chain
look at it like a conspiracy , judges , jailers, eradication officials
the list goes on to the tune of billions
god created this plant for a reason.
one of the most beautiful plants in the world demonized by some angry people.
I support Americans For Safe Access
I'm sorry that Harlan and people like him are just intelligent enough to work a computer, but too stupid to think for themselves beyond what they saw on TV. Harlan, do you have someone chew your food for you?
Good Lord.
Why are Americans so frikkin' MEAN!
This law is for the wealthy, obviously.
Kick 'em while they're down!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!