Currently, Maryland law protects seriously ill patients from being sentenced to prison for possessing marijuana if they can prove a "medical necessity" for using it. The maximum penalty for patients who prove a medical necessity is a $100 fine. However, the law does not protect them from arrest, and it does not provide them a way to safely access their medicine. Even patients who prove a medical necessity still end up with a criminal record!

This training is sponsored by Drug Policy Alliance, Americans for Safe Access and the Marijuana Policy Project -- these organizations are building support for a truly effective medical marijuana bill, which will protect patients from arrest and allow them safe access to their medicine.

For more information, contact Naomi Long at nlong@drugpolicy.org.