Pubdate: Tue, 26 Mar 2002
Source: Carroll County Times (MD)
Copyright: 2002 Carroll County Times
Contact:  http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?brd=1289
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1524
Note: Compiled by Lauren King

MARIJUANA BILL PASSES HOUSE

ANNAPOLIS - The compromised version of the medical marijuana defense bill 
successfully passed the House of Delegates Monday night after an 
impassioned debate.

Last week, a change of heart by Del. Carmen Amedori, R-Carroll, forced a 
compromise in the House Judiciary Committee, which had been poised to kill 
the bill.

The original bill would have given patients who use medical marijuana 
protection from arrest . The compromise maintained that possession of 
marijuana is a still a criminal act, worthy of prosecution and punishment, 
but gives people the option of trying to prove a medical defense.

If the courts determine that there is evidence of possession for medical 
use, the judge can do no more than fine the person up to $100.

The compromised bill, which passed by a vote of 80-56, will now head to the 
Senate for approval.
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MAP posted-by: Beth