MARIJUANA BILL PASSES HOUSE

ANNAPOLIS - The compromised version of the medical marijuana defense bill
successfully passed the House of Delegates Monday night after an
impassioned debate.

Last week, a change of heart by Del. Carmen Amedori, R-Carroll, forced a
compromise in the House Judiciary Committee, which had been poised to kill
the bill.

The original bill would have given patients who use medical marijuana
protection from arrest . The compromise maintained that possession of
marijuana is a still a criminal act, worthy of prosecution and punishment,
but gives people the option of trying to prove a medical defense.

If the courts determine that there is evidence of possession for medical
use, the judge can do no more than fine the person up to $100.

The compromised bill, which passed by a vote of 80-56, will now head to the
Senate for approval.