Defense For Medical Marijuana Clears Legislature
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- A new defense for Maryland residents who use marijuana for medical reasons has cleared the Maryland General Assembly.
The Senate gave final approval to the bill Monday night on a 39-5 vote.
The bill would enable Marylanders to avoid a $100 fine and misdemeanor conviction if they are arrested with marijuana but have a doctor's permission to use the drug for medicinal purposes.
The measure also calls for a study on how medical marijuana could be distributed in the future in Maryland.
Gov. Martin O'Malley says he'll sign the bill.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
