Pubdate: Thu, 03 Apr 2003
Source: Catonsville Times (MD)
Contact:  2003 Patuxent Publishing Company
Website: http://news.mywebpal.com/index.cfm?pnpid=351
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/786
Author: Andrew Bridges, and Maria Tsigas
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

MURPHY'S LAW: DELEGATE GONE, BUT MARIJUANA BILL OK'D

ANNAPOLIS - Former Dist. 12 delegate Don Murphy is a no longer a member of
the Maryland General Assembly, but his pet project is alive and well, and is
now awaiting the signature of Gov. Robert Ehrlich to become law.

A medical marijuana bill, which would minimize penalties for chronically ill
patients caught using the illegal drug, was approved last week in the state
Senate. An earlier version had already been approved in the House of
Delegates.

Murphy, a Catonsville resident who spearheaded the effort for three years
while in office, said he was "thrilled" that the bill had finally passed
both houses - even though he couldn't fully share in its success.

"This is a compassionate thing to do for those suffering with painful
illnesses," Murphy said. "I'm just sorry my name couldn't be on (the bill)
as lead sponsor."

Murphy, a Republican, came close to seeing passage of the legislation in
2001, but it fell just shy. Last fall, he chose not to run for re-election
after his home neighborhood was shifted out of District 12 in the statewide
redistricting process, and moved into the heavily Democratic District 10,
which includes parts of Woodlawn and Baltimore City.

The Senate passed the medical marijuana bill Wednesday, exactly a week after
the House approved identical legislation. The governor has not taken a
position on the bill, but he supports the concept said his spokesperson,
Henry Fawell.

On Monday, Murphy noted that he couldn't actually lobby for the bill (by
law, as a former delegate), but he did make himself available to lawmakers
to answer questions about the subject during the course of legislation and
debate, of which there was plenty.

In the Senate, the hourlong debate before the vote had proponents focusing
on compassion, while opponents argued the bill was merely a "foot in the
door" that would lead to the legalization of marijuana.

The bill passed on a 29-17 vote, with eight Democrats and nine Republicans
voting against it.

Among those sponsoring the bill were local senators Delores Kelley of
District 10, and Ed Kasemeyer of District 12.

The bill that passed was very different from the original legislation, which
called for the Board of Physician Quality Assurance to oversee a program to
issue identification cards to patients who used marijuana for medical
purposes. Now, the bill provides an opportunity for a defendant in
possession of marijuana to introduce evidence that the drug was "of medical
necessity." If the defense is successful, the defendant would only face a
maximum $100 fine.

During the debate, supporters argued that marijuana provides relief for
cancer patients on chemotherapy braving symptoms such as nausea and loss of
appetite. It also helps those suffering from illnesses such as AIDS,
multiple sclerosis, or Crohn's disease.

Patients suffering from cancer or AIDS at the end of their lives sometimes
suffer "long, slow agonizing deaths. Dying is worse than the death
sometimes," said Sen. Kelley. 

The most compelling testimony came from Sen. Nathaniel Exum, D-Prince
George's, who recounted the battle his 25-year-old daughter waged with
cancer. It ultimately claimed her life.

Her treatments left her so nauseated she was unable to eat. Exum said if
marijuana could have helped her at the time, he would have gotten it for his
daughter.

"I urge you to have compassion. You never know when you might be in the same
position," he said.

Under federal law, any use of marijuana is illegal and the Food and Drug
Administration has not approved marijuana use for any medical condition.

Ehrlich fires back at legislators' letter to Bush

Democratic legislators expected a reaction to the letter they sent to
President George W. Bush protesting U.S. military action against Iraq.

But they say they didn't expect it to come from the governor's office.

In a strongly worded statement, Republican Gov. Robert Ehrlich chided 11
legislators who sent a letter, on General Assembly letterhead, in which they
said the war was "not really justified."

"I find it unfortunate that members not only question the president's
motivations, but also suggested that the war is intended for anything other
than the removal of" Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, Ehrlich said in a
statement last Thursday.

But the Democrats said they could not remain silent.

"I consider it our responsibility to state our views," said Delegate
Elizabeth Bobo of Howard County.

The letter was sent Wednesday to Bush and to the state's congressional
delegation.

Besides Bobo, the letter was signed by Democratic Delegate Shirley Nathan
Pulliam, who represents parts of Catonsville in District 10, as well as
delegates Joanne Benson of Prince George's County, Karen Montgomery of
Montgomery County, Frank Turner of Howard County, and Salima Marriott of
Baltimore.

It was also signed by Democratic senators Joan Carter Conway and Verna Jones
of Baltimore; Sharon Grosfeld of Montgomery County; and Paul Pinsky and
Nathaniel Exum, both of Prince George's County.

Ehrlich spokesman Greg Massoni said the governor, "respects their opinion.
.. But they are wrong."
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