Legislation to Affect Lives for Better, Worse (EXCERPT)
April 11, 2003
The Washington Times
A bill reducing penalties for medical marijuana came as a blessing for some residents. Mr. Ehrlich has supported the idea and could sign the bill, despite strident opposition from antidrug activists such as Joyce Nalepka who runs the group Drug Free Kids.
"We are saying to Governor Ehrlich that we do not want a governor who places our kids at greater risk for drug use," said Mrs. Nalepka, a Montgomery County grandmother who has crusaded against drugs for 25 years and says there is no proven medical benefit from using medical marijuana.
But for others like Erin Hildebrandt, the bill signifies hope.
The young mother of five said she used marijuana for years to alleviate the debilitating pains that go with Crohn's disease, before stopping out of fear of the law. Mrs. Hildebrandt also said the pain overwhelms her life.
"I cannot bake cookies for my children, or go to the playground to watch my children play," she said.
The legislation also would reduce penalties for marijuana possession for medical reasons to a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $100 and no jail time.
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