Medical Marijuana in Maryland

Jacob Sullum | May 22, 2003

Maryland Gov. Bob Ehrlich has defied pressure from fellow Republicans by signing a bill that establishes a $100 fine as the maximum penalty for using marijuana out of "medical necessity." Using marijuana for fun is still punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to a year in jail.

Comments

Brian|5.22.03 @ 8:24AM|#

Far be it from me to complain about any liberalization of marijuana laws, but I just don't understand how someone can acknowledge that MJ could help people but still be willing to punish them--even a little bit--for taking advantage of that use.

Also, there is the matter of unintended consequences here...how many people when they get busted for possesion are going to claim medical necessity to get their fines lowered? Look for the rates of migraine sufferers in Maryland to skyrocket. Soon every pothead is going to have a "condition", and no one is going to take the idea of medical marijuana seriously. This could ultimately undermine the cause of legalization, and end up making life even more unpleasant for those who really could benefit from access to medical marijuana.

Legalize it.

Mark S.|5.22.03 @ 9:31AM|#

It's called "compromise" Brian.

|5.22.03 @ 9:58AM|#

Or a step in the right direction which could lead to more of them. It's about liberty as much it is about marijuana.

RS|5.22.03 @ 10:02AM|#

Ehrlich is a guy to watch - in your face tax cutting and a tiny step in the right direction in the drug wars. He'll probably disappoint us all, but folks should put the partisan crap behind and support anyone who lets even a little light enter the room.

RS|5.22.03 @ 10:17AM|#

pragmatism folks, looks crappy on a t-shirt but it's the only hope.

Lefty|5.22.03 @ 10:28AM|#

Unsaid is how that patient is going to procure the stuff to use. It's still a felony to buy or sell it.

I have a friend who has breast cancer and doing the chemo thing. Her daughter is risking a felony every time she supplies her mom with the herb that gives her relief. There is little chance her mom will get caught "using" but there's a significant chance her daughter will get caught purchasing.

Other than PR value, this bill is useless.

Warren|5.22.03 @ 10:35AM|#

Lefty,
Empty a closet and grow your own.

RS|5.22.03 @ 10:53AM|#

A step, lefty, just a step...until you see how things work you'll just wind up as a raving lunatic (like me - pre-emptive strike). I just can't visualize many people grabbing kalishnakovs to legalize marijuana, maybe I'm wrong.

Jim|5.23.03 @ 9:41AM|#

Warren,

If Lefty decides to grow his own in the closet, I think the penalties would be more severe than those for purchasing pot. However, less chance to get caught, I guess. Good point though, that it makes little difference if the penalty for 'medical' possession is lower but any means to acquire it is still the same legal penalty, it makes little difference because you're far more likely to get caught doing that then just by having and smoking it at home. Also, in the case of a person who is only using out of true medical necessity, they probably will not find it easy to locate a reliable source and are more likely than regular recreational users to end up buying from a cop.

Jim|5.23.03 @ 9:43AM|#

Oh, and the same logic applies to the grow your own philosophy. You've got to acquire equipment and seeds, after all.

|5.23.03 @ 10:19AM|#

Yeah...and pretty soon, that too wil be illegal...

|5.23.03 @ 10:20AM|#

Usually I just happen to find my pot. Like someone lost their in the street or something. Finders keepers, losers weepers you know.

James Merritt|5.23.03 @ 12:27PM|#

"folks should put the partisan crap behind and support anyone who lets even a little light enter the room..."

I agree. As much as I prefer not to vote for GOP or Demos, I would gladly vote for sincere and effective opponents of the Drug War, of any party or no party.

On the other hand, I will not cast a vote for anyone who has done little more than provide aid and comfort to the drug warriors. They crossed the line in the sand a long time ago, and as ineffective as the withholding of my single vote may be, to cave in and give it to the collaborators (or the enthusiastic participants!) in reward of bad behavior would be craven and obscene. I couldn't sleep at night. I wonder how anyone else can.

Malver Aaron|9.10.04 @ 12:23AM|#

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