Press Releases

Maryland House Passes Watered Down Medical Marijuana Affirmative Defense Bill

Paul Marini | April 11, 2011

Annapolis, MD -- The Maryland House voted 82-51 Saturday to pass medical marijuana legislation in an attempt to improve upon current law, the Darrel Putnam Compassionate Use Act, which allows for a "medical necessity" defense but still results in a...

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California Medical Marijuana Employment Rights Bill Approved by Senate Committee

Paul Marini | April 05, 2011

Sacramento, CA -- The State Senate Judiciary Committee voted 3-2 today, approving a bill that would protect medical marijuana patients from discrimination at the workplace. Senate Bill 129, introduced by Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) in January is an attempt...

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Federal Agency Recognizes Marijuana's Medical Benefit for People Living with Cancer

Paul Marini | March 29, 2011

Washington, DC -- A change to the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) website earlier this month has caused a stir in medical marijuana and public policy circles, noting that the federal agency has uncharacteristically crossed a line in recognizing the medical...

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Maryland Senate Passes Medical Marijuana Bill Giving Affirmative Defense to Patients

Paul Marini | March 24, 2011

Annapolis, MD -- The Maryland State Senate voted 41-6 to pass a bill today that would give an affirmative defense to qualified patients who are arrested and prosecuted for possessing or growing medical marijuana. Senate Bill 308 amends the 2003...

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Feds Execute 26 Search Warrants on Medical Marijuana Providers in 13 Montana Cities

Paul Marini | March 15, 2011

Helena, MT -- More than a dozen local and federal law enforcement agencies conducted aggressive criminal raids yesterday on 26 medical marijuana dispensaries and grow sites in 13 Montana cities, according to a press release issued today by U.S. Attorney...

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Medical Marijuana Patient to Los Angeles Voters: No More Taxes! No on Measure M!

Paul Marini | March 07, 2011

Los Angeles, CA -- A vote taking place in Los Angeles Tuesday threatens to increase the cost of an already expensive treatment for many medical marijuana patients in the city. Measure M, which is one of 10 ballot measures facing...

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Senate Committee to Debate Maryland Medical Marijuana Bill

Paul Marini | March 02, 2011

Annapolis, MD -- The Maryland State Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee will hold a hearing on medical marijuana bill SB 308 on Thursday, March 3rd at 1pm. SB 308, which protects patients from arrest and prosecution, and sets up a state-run...

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Amendment to New Maryland Medical Marijuana Bill Would Allow for Patient Cultivation

Paul Marini | February 25, 2011

Annapolis, MD -- Maryland's House Deputy Majority Whip, Delegate Cheryl Glenn (D-Baltimore City), introduced a patient-focused amendment today to the new medical marijuana bill scheduled for a committee hearing Monday. House Bill 291 is Maryland's latest effort to pass a...

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Medical Marijuana Patient Advocates Hold First-of-Its-Kind Virtual Nationwide Conference

Paul Marini | February 17, 2011

Oakland, CA -- As the issue of medical marijuana heats up across the country, leading patient advocacy group Americans for Safe Access (ASA) will hold a two-day interactive, virtual “Boot Camp” February 19-20 to train hundreds of U.S.-based activists in...

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Medical Marijuana Employment Rights Bill Introduced in California Legislature

Paul Marini | January 31, 2011

Sacramento, CA -- State Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) introduced legislation Thursday that would prevent California employers from discriminating against medical marijuana patients. Senate Bill 129 would not change current law, which prohibits employees from using medical marijuana at the...

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