BRINKLEY ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILL

A bill that will allow people suffering certain medical conditions to use
marijuana is being co-sponsored by Delegate David Brinkley, R-Frederick.

Mr. Brinkley, who is optimistic about the legislation, said he believes
it's long overdue. "Sure there will be a lot of opposition, but I also hear
there's a lot of support," he said. "I'm asking my colleagues to keep an
open mind until they read and hear what we're proposing."

Mr. Brinkley said the bill is still being composed, but diseases such as
cancer and AIDS will be listed.

"Our goal is the assure that a patient can use a substance that will help
relieve the severe symptoms of aggressive medical treatment," he said.

Delegate Louise Snodgrass, R-Frederick/Washington, said she supports the
concept, but wants to see the language of the proposed legislation.

Medical research has shown that marijuana used by cancer patients helps
them deal with the side effects of severe treatments such as chemotherapy
and radiation.

Delegate Donald Murphy, R, Baltimore County, said he introduced the
legislation after he was approached by a constituent, a friend of the late
Darrell Putman, a Frederick native and Green Beret.

Mr. Putman, who died last week after battling cancer, lobbied for the
medical use of marijuana and persuaded the Howard County Farm Bureau to
adopt the stance.

Mr. Murphy said he was hoping Mr. Putman would be in Annapolis to testify.
"I hope his family will be there."

He said he thinks it's only right to help someone alleviate the severe pain
associated with cancer or other medical conditions. "We should err on the
side of the patient," he said.

The Baltimore delegate said many of his Republican colleagues phoned when
he announced his plans. "They told me I was committing political suicide,"
he said with a laugh.

Even the White House dialed him.

"They tried to talk me out of it, saying it was against federal policy ...
I told them they were more than welcome to come testify against it," he said.

Mr. Murphy said he was delighted when Mr. Brinkley wanted to be his
co-sponsor. "I just can't say how much I appreciate what he is doing," he
said.

It is not certain whether the bill will be heard in the judiciary or
environmental matters committee.

Mr. Murphy said he hopes people using marijuana to help them cope with
their disease will be willing to testify. "I know it's going to be
difficult," he said. "I don't know many people who want to admit using
something illegal, especially if the cameras are rolling."