Title:
Marijuana reform takes center stage in Annapolis
Message:
We’re barely into the Maryland General Assembly’s 2013 session, and already four bills have been introduced to improve Maryland’s marijuana laws, and more are expected.
First, Del. Cheryl Glenn introduced both HB 302, a comprehensive medical marijuana bill that would give patients access to marijuana, and HB 180, a compromise measure that extends the affirmative defense currently available to patients to their caregivers. Del. Dan Morhaim, who has previously sponsored medical marijuana legislation, is also expected to introduce medical marijuana legislation authored by a workgroup Gov. O’Malley appointed in 2011.
To help get these bills passed, start by emailing your legislators, then ask Gov. O’Malley to back off his threat to veto the comprehensive bills.
On the non-medical front, Sen. Bobby Zirkin is sponsoring legislation that would make possession of marijuana a civil, rather than criminal, offense punishable by a fine with no possibility of jail time. Please also ask your legislators to support this sensible reform. Also, if you have ever been arrested for possession of marijuana or been denied employment, a loan, or any other benefit on the basis of a marijuana conviction, please email us as your story could help illustrate why this bill is so important.
