Committee hears testimony; vote on medical marijuana imminent

The Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee heard testimony yesterday on House Bill 1222, the Darrell Putman Compassionate Use Act.

Delegates Don Murphy (R-Baltimore County), the bill's lead sponsor, and David Brinkley (R-Frederick County), a cancer survivor and bill co-sponsor, told committee members that the bill does not run afoul of federal law and will eliminate the fear of jail for seriously ill patients who use medical marijuana.

Committee members were receptive of the testimony and offered no negative comments. Within a couple of days, they will vote on the measure.

If you have not already, please visit MPP's Maryland Web site—/MD—and contact the committee. It only takes a few minutes to select and submit a single e-mail that will reach all 11 Senators who serve on the committee.

Several Senators remain undecided and the feedback they receive from constituents today and tomorrow will have a major impact on how they vote.

And because the legislative session ends on Monday—just four days from now—it is imperative that the committee approve H.B. 1222 as soon as possible.

Please take action now to ensure that the Senators are aware of your support.

As always, thank you for your help in the effort to protect patients.