Signed by Governor Martin O'Malley

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands affirmative defense to include a caregiver providing medical marijuana, effective June 1, 2013.

Highlights:

• Expands affirmative defense to include a “caregiver” charged with the possession of marijuana or marijuana paraphernalia (Sec. 1).

• Defines “caregiver” as an individual providing medical assistance to a patient with a debilitating medical condition and who meets certain requirements including, but not limited to, the following requirements (Sec. 1):
• The individual is a resident of Maryland and at least 21 years old;
• The individual is an immediate family member, a spouse, or a domestic partner of the patient;
• The individual has not been convicted of a crime of violence; 
• The individual has not been convicted of a violation of a state or federal controlled dangerous substances law; and
• The individual is the only caregiver assigned by the patient.

Full Bill Text