Maryland's medical marijuana law now in effect

Yesterday, October 1, the Darrell Putman Compassionate Use Act (H.B. 702) took effect. Now, while the medical use and possession of marijuana is still illegal in Maryland, medical marijuana is officially recognized by the state. Patients can now raise an "affirmative defense" to marijuana possession charges, and if a judge finds that the marijuana was intended for medical use, the maximum penalty would be a $100 fine.

This great day for Maryland's medical marijuana patients was commemorated by articles in both The Washington Post and The Baltimore Sun, as well as in television news broadcasts across the state.

Again, thank you for fighting for Maryland's most seriously ill citizens alongside MPP during this past year. Without the hundreds of supportive e-mails and phone calls to legislators from people like you, this success would not have been possible. Your activism did make a difference.

Thank you for supporting the Marijuana Policy Project. Please forward this e-mail to your family and friends so that even more voices can speak out for reform.