Originally posted at WJLA

Ehrlich Signs Medical Marijuana Bill

Posted By: Suleiman Wali

Annapolis, Md. - A medical marijuana bill that was strongly opposed by the Bush administration is now law in Maryland. Governor Robert Ehrlich signed the measure today.

The new law does not legalize marijuana, but it reduces the penalty for patients smoking it to a maximum $100, with no jail time. Defendants will have to convince a judge that they need to smoke marijuana for medical reasons.

The sponsor of the bill, Baltimore County Delegate Dan Morhaim, says he's pleased by the governor's decision to sign it. He calls it a "prudent step forward" that will help people who are suffering.

Morhaim is also an emergency room doctor at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore.

Posted - May 22, 2003 3:08pm