cannabisnews.com: Marijuana Bill Draws Support Marijuana Bill Draws Support Posted by FoM on February 09, 2001 at 07:09:40 PT By Douglas Tallman, News-Post Staff Source: Fredrick News-Post Maryland lawmakers spanning the political spectrum stood on the State House steps Thursday supporting a bill that would legalize marijuana for terminally ill patients.The patients use the drug to fight pain, build appetite and combat nausea caused either by their disease, or the treatments for the disease. But they do so at the risk of being fined or jailed. The bill would protect them and their property.Among the sponsors are two local cancer survivors serving in the House of Delegates, David Brinkley and Louise Snodgrass. And the name of the bill, "The Darrell Putman Compassionate Use Act," honors a Woodbine man who ran a horse and carriage service in downtown Frederick."Government shouldn't be making criminals out of people whose sole purpose is to save themselves," said Bill Hanrahan, a long-time friend of Mr. Putman.The legislation, sponsored by Delegate Donald Murphy and Sen. Ulysses Currie, would protect patients from arrest and incarceration for using doctor-recommended marijuana for medical purposes.The bill was introduced last year and died in the House Judiciary Committee.Mr. Murphy, a Baltimore County Republican, has lined up more cosponsors -- 28 this year versus eight last year -- and a Senate version of the bill has been filed. Among the cosponsors are House Minority Leader Robert Kittleman of Howard County.Michael Morrill, spokesman for Gov. Parris Glendening, said the governor "has no support for this bill," and he won't consider the bill until it clears the legislature."You have to be concerned about the message it sends," Mr. Morrill said.At the State House announcement, several lawmakers gave testimonials for the bill.Mr. Brinkley, R-Frederick, contracted Hodgkin's lymphoma 12 years ago. Although he never used marijuana, he described how radiation therapy stole his appetite.Ms. Snodgrass, R-Frederick/Washington, a breast cancer survivor, has been cancer-free for 4 1/2 years. She described how radiation therapy created a lump in her throat that made it impossible to swallow. Source: Fredrick News-PostAuthor: Douglas Tallman, News-Post Staff Published: February 9, 2001Address: 200 East Patrick Street, PO Box 578 Frederick, MD 21705-0578 Copyright: 1997-01 Great Southern Printing and Manufacturing CompanyWebsite: http://www.fredericknewspost.com/Contact: http://www.fredericknewspost.com/contact/CannabisNews Medical Marijuana Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #2 posted by redeyz on March 03, 2001 at 12:21:06 PT TO THOSE WHO SAY NO!!!! Even when people support a cause as noble as this it still comes down to... All these old folk politians that can't seem to release there ancient government fed views on a GOD given medicine. How many times did they watch "REEFER MADNESS" anyways? How long can we let these f**ks control something that belongs to all of those who don't want to support the already worse prescription drug's that give you 15 side affects to correct 1 illness? 1/2 of which are pychoactive as well! Did you do your research or someone else? Take a longer look through you're goggles you call glasses and see that all these people who need a natural medicine don't get it because... NONE OF YOU GIVE A S**T ABOUT COMPASSION OR HEALTH OF THESE PEOPLE THAT MAY ACTUALLY HAVE PUT YOU IN YOUR POSITIONTO BEGIN WITH. GET A LIFE, BECAUSE YOU MAY HAVE JUST CAUSED THE END OF ONE. THANKS FOR LISTENING [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by meagain on February 09, 2001 at 10:59:25 PT Oh ya? Michael Morrill, spokesman for Gov. Parris Glendening, said the governor "has no support for this bill," and he won't consider the bill until it clears the legislature. "You have to be concerned about the message it sends," Mr. Morrill said.The message being sent is compassion that is good Be tough on crime not tough on drugs and you will make a touchdown in life [ Post Comment ] Post Comment Name: Optional Password: E-Mail: Subject: Comment: [Please refrain from using profanity in your message] Link URL: Link Title: