Source: safeaccessnow.org
Last month, the governors of both Maryland and Delaware signed new medical cannabis measures into law. That makes 17 states, comprising more than 1/3 of the U.S. population, with laws recognizing the medical use of cannabis.
Maryland’s SB 308 is an improvement on its previous medical cannabis law, which only allowed for a reduced criminal penalty in cases of medical necessity. Under the new law, qualified patients who possess an ounce or less of cannabis will no longer be guilty of a misdemeanor, but some patients are still vulnerable to punitive $100 fines.
"We welcome improvements to Maryland's medical cannabis law," said Kristen Ford, Field Director with ASA. "But the law falls short of the basic protections offered in all other medical marijuana states, so we look forward to working with the legislature next year to pass improvements."
Under the new law, Maryland is establishing a working group to develop proposals for protecting patients from prosecution and establishing state-regulated distribution centers.
In Delaware, the new medical cannabis law allows people 18 and older with certain serious or debilitating conditions to possess up to six ounces of cannabis. Qualifying conditions are more restricted than in many states, but include cancer, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, and Multiple Sclerosis.
Under the bill, qualifying patients will have access to state-licensed and regulated compassion centers, which will be responsible for growing, cultivating and dispensing the marijuana. Each county will have initially have two dispensaries, and patients may obtain up to six ounces a month. After two years the number of dispensing centers per county may expand to six.
Further information:
Maryland SB 308
Delaware SB 17
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