Salem-News.com Maryland articles Page 1

Medical Marijuana Bills Introduced in Maryland

Panel of Experts to Advise Legislature on State Medical Marijuana Policy.

(ANNAPOLIS) - A pair of bills were introduced Friday in the Maryland House and Senate that would allow patients with certain qualifying conditions to use medical marijuana with doctors’ recommendations.

Maryland Health Officials at Odds Over Cancer Danger at Fort Detrick

Includes Maryland's Summary Report of Frederick County Cancer Investigation Involves Fort Detrick.

(FREDERICK, Md.) - The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in Baltimore seems to be at odds with itself over cancer rates showing up near an Army base, Fort Detrick, which is located in Frederick County.

The agency admits that the statistics are enough to press continued monitoring of the Fort Detrick neighborhoods.

Washington Judge Tosses Citation Issued in Unmarked Police Car Traffic Stop

Common sense may ultimately prevail in the argument against the use of unmarked police cars for traffic enforcement in the state of Washington.

(SALEM, Ore.) - In a previous article, Kevin Schmadeka explained how he was pulled over by one of these secret unmarked police cars and received a citation for not having his seat belt properly fastened.

Kevin Schmadeka was in court Wednesday morning to attend a hearing for his seat belt ticket that was issued from an unmarked State Patrol car.

Medical Marijuana Defense Bill Passes Maryland House Judiciary Committee

Floor Vote Likely for Bill to Remove Criminal Penalties for Medical Marijuana

(ANNAPOLIS ) - The Maryland House of Delegates Judiciary Committee approved a bill yesterday, SB 308, which would allow patients who use marijuana to treat a medical condition to use a medical necessity defense in court.

The bill would also create a panel to advise the legislature on best practices for creating a medical marijuana program in 2012. The Senate passed the bill by a 41-6 vote on March 24, and will need to approve the bill again because of amendments made by the Judiciary Committee.

Police Shoot Armed Gunman Ending Hostage Scene at Discovery Channel

James Lee's MySpace states: "It's time for REVOLUTION!!!"

(SILVER SPRINGS, Md.) - Police in Montgomery County, Maryland say an armed gunman who was holding three hostages in the channel's building in Silver Springs has been shot by police.

Police say the suspect's name is James Lee, a resident of Silver Springs. He may be an environmental activist though information is somewhat sketchy at this point. It is reported that shots were fired. Silver Springs Police say the 43-year old suspect is not unknown. Lee has reportedly been calling for protests against Discovery Channel and was arrested for disorderly conduct outside of the company's headquarters in 2008.

Maryland Senate Passes Medical Marijuana Bill

Measure to Provide Patients With Safe Access Now Moves to House.

(ANNAPOLIS, Md.) - With no discussion or objections, the Maryland Senate voted 35-12 to pass SB 627, a bill that would allow qualified patients to be recommended medical marijuana by their doctor and receive safe access to their medicine through state-licensed distribution centers.

The bill now moves to the House. The General Assembly’s session ends Monday night.

What is Keeping Maryland from Passing a Medical Marijuana Law?

Despite overwhelming public support and virtually no opposition, key officials are still silent about their stance on the issue

(ANNAPOLIS) - Last Friday, Feb. 26, the Maryland House Judiciary and Health and Government Committees held a public hearing on a bill that would allow chronically ill patients to have safe access to medical marijuana with their doctor’s recommendation.

Dozens of witnesses—including physicians, patients, and former law enforcement officials—testified in favor of the bill, and no one testified in opposition.