I am not a lawyer.

The medical marijuana laws in Maryland are a bit vague. Since you would still be violating a federal law, you can still be charged with possession, but the key here is that you are given a cap on punishments if you have under an ounce: $100 and no jail time (as long as you are not cultivating it).

Apparently, there are no standards for what counts as "evidence" of doctor recommended use. There is also no discussion of age. There is no registration, no fee, and no list of medical marijuana users.

It looks like it is simply being instituted on a case-by-case basis, and basically the burden of proof is on you.

There doesn't seem to be any mention of prescriptions or medically grown marijuana in the statute, so I don't think you can "get it" from a legitimate channel.

So my advice is, see a doctor. Tell him what your health issues are. Tell him your intentions of using marijuana to self-medicate, and give evidence that marijuana is the only surrogate that will help (I am sure you need a valid reason, such as sensitivity to chemicals, chronic pain and a history of painkiller abuse, whatever). Get something in writing, like a doctor's note on a letterhead. You should be protected.

Again, this law does not make it legal, it only protects your record to an extent and the level of punishment you receive. My understanding is that even habitual offenders will only be charged $100, if you have under an ounce and don't grow anything.

Also, the rule only applies in your state and in Montana; the protection will not assist you in any other state, even those with medical marijuana programs.

My answer does not in any way condone marijuana use and is for research purposes only.
Source(s):
http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=2050


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