NATIONAL DRUG CZAR, CUMMINGS AGAINST MARIJUANA BILL

The White House drug czar and U.S. Rep. Elijah E. Cummings announced
yesterday that they oppose efforts in the General Assembly to reduce
penalties for terminally ill patients who use marijuana as medicine.

John P. Walters, director of National Drug Control Policy, said the
legislation would mean "more availability of a dangerous drug in our
neighborhoods." Cummings, a Baltimore Democrat, said there is little
scientific evidence that marijuana can be used as a medicine.

The House of Delegates passed a proposal this month creating a maximum $100
fine for patients caught with marijuana. A Senate committee passed the same
proposal last week.