CALIF. SENATE OKS MEDICINAL MARIJUANA IDS

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Medical marijuana users would get identity cards
designed to protect them from arrest under legislation approved by the state
Senate.

The bill, passed Monday, would require the state Department of Health
Services to develop the card program. County health departments would verify
the qualifications of applicants.

Supporters of the bill say the identity cards would help law enforcement
officers determine who has a valid medical reason for using marijuana. The
legislation now goes to the Assembly.

Voters in 1996 passed a proposition allowing Californians with cancer, HIV
and certain other chronic medical conditions to grow and use marijuana to
ease nausea and other health problems if a physician recommends it.

Cultivation, possession and use of marijuana remains a crime under federal
law.