As anticipated, a series of bills that sought to allow for the physician-supervised use of medical marijuana has once again stalled in the Maryland legislature.

Several proposals that sought to allow state-qualified patients to legally possess or obtain cannabis from state licensed facilities were tabled after officials from the Governor's office expressed opposition. In recent weeks, lawmakers alternatively sought to expand the state's affirmative defense law to patient caregivers. However, on Wednesday, April 11, the 2012 legislative came to a close without lawmakers taking action on this proposal.

That said, legislators on the final day of the session did enact legislation that seeks to make some minor changes in the way minor marijuana possession cases are prosecuted and defendants are sentenced.

Specifically, lawmakers passed legislation that lowers the penalty for possession of 10 grams or less of marijuana from up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine to up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. Legislators also passed a separate measure that provides police the discretion to cite, rather than arrest, minor marijuana offenders.

Both measures await the signature of democrat Gov. Martin O'Malley.

You can read further about these reform bills here.

Thank you again for assisting marijuana law reform in Maryland.

Sincerely,
The NORML Team