Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, beginning October 1, 2010.

Highlights:

-Amends the classification of marijuana from a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance to a Schedule II (Sec. 2). -Authorizes the medical use of marijuana by certain patients with debilitating medical conditions (Sec. 2). -Defines a "debilitating medical condition" as a chronic or debilitating condition that includes, but is not limited to, the following symptoms (Sec. 2):

-Chronic pain; -Severe pain; -Severe nausea; or -Severe and persistent muscle spasms.

-Requires that a potential medical marijuana patient receive a written declaration from a physician with whom he or she has an established and ongoing medical relationship that includes the following (Sec. 2):

-That the possible benefits of marijuana use would outweigh potential health risks; -That the patient has a debilitating medical condition; and -One of the following:
-That recognized drugs or treatments would not be effective for the patient's condition; -That other potential options for treatment would have more serious side effects than the use of marijuana; or -That other potential options for treatment would have a greater risk of addiction than the use of marijuana.

-Authorizes the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to license certain entities as marijuana growers (Sec. 2). -Authorizes the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to license certain pharmacies and dispensaries to provide no more than 6 ounces of marijuana to patients in a 30-day period, unless the patient provides written certification that he or she needs a greater amount (Sec. 2). -Authorizes the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to license certain individuals as primary caregivers to assist patients with marijuana use, provided they agree to only assist one patient at a time (Sec. 2). -Prohibits the arrest, prosecution, or imposition of a civil or administrative penalty, including penalties from professional licensing boards, for the medical use of marijuana (Sec. 2). -Specifies that the bill does not authorize the following (Sec. 2):

-Operating a car, plane, or boat while under the influence of marijuana; -Smoking marijuana in a public place; -Smoking marijuana in a car; or -Smoking marijuana on private property where it is prohibited by a landlord or homeowners association.

-Specifies that health insurance providers are not required to offer coverage for the medical use of marijuana (Sec. 2). -Specifies that surplus funds received from medical marijuana registration fees are to be distributed to drug rehabilitation programs in the State (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text