Medical Marijuana Bills Progress in Connecticut, Maryland

Connecticut’s Compassionate Use medical marijuana legislation, House Bill 6715, cleared its first hurdle yesterday when it passed the Joint Committee on Judiciary. The bill would allow seriously ill patients access to medical marijuana with a doctor’s recommendation.

A 2004 University of Connecticut poll found that 83% of Connecticut residents support allowing patients to access medical marijuana for relief of symptoms associated with debilitating conditions such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.

On Friday, March 23, television host and NY Times bestselling author Montel Williams will join patients, doctors, and advocates at a press conference in Hartford in support of HB 6715.

Medical marijuana legislation is also being considered in Maryland, and after fantastic hearings last week, advocates are working hard to get bills voted on in the Senate Judicial and House Judiciary committees.

Maryland has a medical marijuana law, but as it is currently written the law does not protect patients from arrest or prosecution. HB 1040 would fix Maryland's medical marijuana law by protecting patients from arrest, removing current criminal sanctions for possession, allowing for safe access,and providing identification cards. The bill would also rely on the Health Department to implement the program, protect patients' confidentiality, and regulate the process for patient certification.
 
If you are a Maryland resident, you can contact key legislators and urge them to support the bill. If you live in Connecticut, keep an eye on your inbox for the next opportunity to take action in support of patients.