Taking the Plunge

Spurred on by advocates of the drug as a treatment for chronic pain, states throughout the country are still wrestling with the legalization of medical marijuana.
 

• In Alabama and Ohio – Measures to make medical marijuana legal were introduced in these state legislatures this spring but did not make it to a full vote, as the general assemblies ran out of session time. It remains to be seen if they will be reintroduced at a later date.

 

• In Maryland – A bill supporting leniency for medical marijuana users easily passed the Maryland Senate in April, but the House will not vote on it until the general assembly reconvenes in 2011. If approved, instead of legalizing, it would mandate that individuals are patients of a doctor who backs the usage of the drug for medical purposes. The measure would also require a state license for any growers of medical marijuana.
   
  Although it will be months before the House vote, those in favor of the measure call the 35-12 vote in the Senate a triumph and believe an easy path lies ahead for the legislation.

 

• In Tennessee – In April, the state’s House of Representatives approved a study of marijuana as it pertains to pain relief. The investigation will be conducted by the state medical examiner and board of pharmacy. Legislators have also directed that the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the state sheriffs will have a voice in the analysis.

 

• In Arizona – Voters in the Grand Canyon State will decide this November whether or not to legalize medical marijuana use. If successful, the measure would permit patients with illnesses such as HIV, cancer, or multiple sclerosis up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana every 14 days. Patients would be required to secure a recommendation from a physician in order to legally use the drug for medical purposes.
   
  The proposal also outlines that medical marijuana could be grown without penalty by nonprofit dispensaries.