Pubdate: Tue, 3 Jun 2003 Source: Associated Press (Wire) Copyright: 2003 Associated Press Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Cannabis - California) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) CALIF. SENATE OKS MEDICINAL MARIJUANA IDS SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Medical marijuana users would get identity cards designed to protect them from arrest under legislation approved by the state Senate. The bill, passed Monday, would require the state Department of Health Services to develop the card program. County health departments would verify the qualifications of applicants. Supporters of the bill say the identity cards would help law enforcement officers determine who has a valid medical reason for using marijuana. The legislation now goes to the Assembly. Voters in 1996 passed a proposition allowing Californians with cancer, HIV and certain other chronic medical conditions to grow and use marijuana to ease nausea and other health problems if a physician recommends it. Cultivation, possession and use of marijuana remains a crime under federal law. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh