The Senate quickly approved a House floor amendment to the Senate substitute bill for SB 523, the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act today, sending the bill to Gov. Bill Richardson's desk for his signature.

The House floor amendment states that medical marijuana cannot be distributed within 300 feet of any church, school or day-care center.

A top U.S. lawmaker urged the Bush administration yesterday to rethink U.S.

SANTA FE--The New Mexico House of Representatives voted down a medical marijuana bill by a 36-33 margin tonight after intense debate.

The Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act (SB 238) would have allowed qualified patients suffering from certain illnesses, such as cancer, HIV/AIDS and epilepsy, to use medical cannabis for relief of their symptoms. The bill passed the Senate by a 34-7 margin.

The bill originally failed by a 33 to 33 margin, but Rep. Al Park claimed he was unable to vote. After a motion to reconsider by Rep.

The New Mexico House of Representatives passed the Senate substitute bill for SB 523, the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act by a 36-31 margin today. The bill would allow qualified patients suffering from certain illnesses, such as cancer, HIV/AIDS and epilepsy, to use medical cannabis for relief of their symptoms.

During debate, the bill was amended, requiring it to go back to the Senate, where it is expected to be approved.

On Tuesday, Maryland elected officials will hold hearings on a new medical marijuana law that would allow terminally and chronically ill patients to use medical marijuana to ease their pain and suffering without the threat of arrest, prosecution or conviction. The bill would also protect caregivers, provide confidentiality, and address the issue of safe access.

The Maryland Compassionate Use Act (House Bill 1040), sponsored by Delegate Nathaniel Oaks, will be heard on Tuesday, March 6, at 1:00 pm at the Lowe House Building, Room 100.