Going Green

1.  Obviously, I began by asking my doc that diagnosed, and has been treating my RSD; NOT the "simple process, one would think--or at least I thought all this, and sat me down with medical history forms--shit, there musta been weed for you to sign where you were supposed to sign up-

2.  I found a clinic that was "GREEN FRIENDLY."

3.  Told them I had RSD...no, then my pain doc sent records, by 5pm, I had paperwork-which I came to find out I must always have on me, but anyhow,  I got to call on Monday, but here's where I went with, "I was at somewhat of an advantage of being in massive, wicked, bad-assed flare,' and get this-the doc was telling ME WHERE TO SIGN!!! I was a bit shocked, but in fact in some serious pain, but as they stressed when we were leaving, now ladies, only one of you has paperwork, and is a resident (I live in a border town) so I was like "Uh, where is the fucking closest weed store.  I am in serious need of weed."

Doesn't work that way, but we easily found out.
RSD IS BEING FOUND TO HAVE AN AUTOIMMUNE COMPONENT.
THC = BIG time relief = huge NSAID = immune system boost.

WEED IS BAD FOR RSD (AND GOOD/EFFECTIVE) FOR RSD PAIN.


Along comes bad old RSD/CRPS IF you live in:


DIAGNOSIS: RSD
TREATMENT:  WEED/GO GREEN! THC!! PUMP FULL OF THC!!!

I. Summary Chart: 16 states and DC that have enacted laws to legalize medical marijuana State Year Passed How Passed (Yes Vote) Fee Possession Limit Accepts other states' registry ID cards? 1. Alaska 1998 Ballot Measure 8 (58%) $25/$20 1 oz usable; 6 plants (3 mature, 3 immature) unknown1 2. Arizona 2010 Proposition 203 (50.13%) $150/$75 2.5 oz usable; 0-12 plants2 Yes3 3. California 1996 Proposition 215 (56%) $66/$33 8 oz usable; 6 mature or 12 immature plants4 No 4. Colorado 2000 Ballot Amendment 20 (54%) $35 2 oz usable; 6 plants (3 mature, 3 immature) No 5. DC 2010 Amendment Act B18-622 (13-0 vote) * 2 oz dried; limits on other forms to be determined unknown 6. Delaware 2011 Senate Bill 17 (27-14 House, 17-4 Senate) ** 6 oz usable Yes5 7. Hawaii 2000 Senate Bill 862 (32-18 House; 13-12 Senate) $25 3 oz usable; 7 plants (3 mature, 4 immature) No 8. Maine 1999 Ballot Question 2 (61%) $100/$75 2.5 oz usable; 6 plants Yes6 9. Michigan 2008 Proposal 1 (63%) $100/$25 2.5 oz usable; 12 plants Yes 10. Montana 2004 Initiative 148 (62%) $25/$10 1 oz usable; 4 plants (mature); 12 seedlings No 11. Nevada 2000 Ballot Question 9 (65%) $200 +fees 1 oz usable; 7 plants (3 mature, 4 immature) No 12. New Jersey 2010 Senate Bill 119 (48-14 House; 25-13 Senate) $200/$20 2 oz usable unknown 13. New Mexico 2007 Senate Bill 523 (36-31 House; 32-3 Senate) $0 6 oz usable; 16 plants (4 mature, 12 immature) No 14. Oregon 1998 Ballot Measure 67 (55%) $200/$1007 24 oz usable; 24 plants (6 mature, 18 immature) No 15. Rhode Island 2006 Senate Bill 0710 (52-10 House; 33-1 Senate) $75/$10 2.5 oz usable; 12 plants Yes 16. Vermont 2004 Senate Bill 76 (22-7) HB 645 (82-59) $50 2 oz usable; 9 plants (2 mature, 7 immature) No 17. Washington 1998 Initiative 692 (59%) *** 24 oz usable; 15 plants No Notes: Residency Requirement - 14 of the 16 states require proof of residency to be considered a qualifying patient for medical marijuana use. Only Oregon has announced that it will accept out-of-state applications. It is unknown if Delaware will accept applications from non-state residents once the program is established. Home Cultivation - Karen O'Keefe, JD, Director of State Policies for Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), told ProCon.org in a May 13, 2011 email that "Patients and/or their caregivers can cultivate in 14 of the 16 states. Home cultivation is not allowed in Delaware, New Jersey, or the District of Columbia and a special license is required in New Mexico. In Arizona, patients can only cultivate if they lived 25 miles or more from a dispensary when they applied for their card." Patient Registration - Karen O'Keefe stated the following in a Sep. 9, 2011 email to ProCon.org: "Affirmative defenses, which protect from conviction but not arrest, are or may be available in several states even if the patient doesn't have an ID card: Rhode Island, Michigan, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, and, in some circumstances, Delaware. Hawaii also has a separate 'choice of evils' defense. Patient ID cards are voluntary in Maine and California, but in California they offer the strongest legal protection. In Delaware, the defense will only be available until the state has an ID card program up and running and between when a patient submits a valid application and receives their ID card. In addition, Montana had an affirmative defense that was repealed by the legislature in 2011, but a referendum campaign has been launched to reverse the law and put it on hold. The states with no protection unless you're registered are: Alaska (except for that even non-medical use is protected in one's home due to the state constitutional right to privacy), Arizona, Montana, Vermont, New Mexico, and New Jersey. Washington, D.C. also requires registration." Maryland - Maryland passed two laws that, although favorable to medical marijuana, do not legalize its use. Senate Bill 502 (72 KB), the "Darrell Putman Bill" (Resolution #0756-2003) was approved in the state senate by a vote of 29-17, signed into law by Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. on May 22, 2003, and took effect on Oct. 1, 2003. The law allows defendants being prosecuted for the use or possession of marijuana to introduce evidence of medical necessity and physician approval, to be considered by the court as a mitigating factor. If the court finds that the case involves medical necessity, the maximum penalty is a fine not exceeding $100. The law does not protect users of medical marijuana from arrest nor does it establish a registry program. On May 10, 2011, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley signed SB 308 (500 KB), into law. SB 308 removed criminal penalties for medical marijuana patients who meet the specified conditions, but patients are still subject to arrest. The bill provides an affirmative defense for defendants who have been diagnosed with a debilitating medical condition that is "severe and resistant to conventional medicine." The affirmative defense does not apply to defendants who used medical marijuana in public or who were in possession of more than one ounce of marijuana. The bill also created a Work Group to "develop a model program to facilitate patient access to marijuana for medical purposes." Several states with legal medical marijuana have received letters from their respective United States Attorney's offices explaining that marijuana is a Schedule I substance and that the federal government considers growing, distribution, or possession of marijuana to be a federal crime regardless of the state laws. These letters have caused some states to delay or alter implementation of their medical marijuana programs.

II. Details by State: 16 states and DC that have enacted laws to legalize medical marijuana
State and Relevant Medical Marijuana Laws	Contact and Program Details
1. Alaska Ballot Measure 8 (100 KB) -- Approved Nov. 3, 1998 by 58% of voters Effective: Mar. 4, 1999 Removed state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who possess written documentation from their physician advising that they "might benefit from the medical use of marijuana." Approved Conditions: Cachexia, cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy and other disorders characterized by seizures, glaucoma, HIV or AIDS, multiple sclerosis and other disorders characterized by muscle spasticity, and nausea. Other conditions are subject to approval by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. Possession/Cultivation: Patients (or their primary caregivers) may legally possess no more than one ounce of usable marijuana, and may cultivate no more than six marijuana plants, of which no more than three may be mature. The law establishes a confidential state-run patient registry that issues identification cards to qualifying patients. Amended: Senate Bill 94 Effective: June 2, 1999 Mandates all patients seeking legal protection under this act to enroll in the state patient registry and possess a valid identification card. Patients not enrolled in the registry will no longer be able to argue the "affirmative defense of medical necessity" if they are arrested on marijuana charges. Update: Alaska Statute Title 17 Chapter 37 (36 KB) Creates a confidential statewide registry of medical marijuana patients and caregivers and establishes identification card.	Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics Marijuana Registry P.O. Box 110699 Juneau, AK 99811-0699 Phone: 907-465-5423 BVSSpecialServices@health.state.ak.us AK Marijuana Registry Online Information provided by the state on sources for medical marijuana: None found Patient Registry Fee: $25 new application/$20 renewal Accepts other states' registry ID cards? 1: Unknown [Editor's Note: Four phone calls made Jan. 5-8, 2010 and an email sent on Jan. 6, 2010 by ProCon.org to the Alaska Marijuana Registry have not yet been returned and the information is not available on the state's website (as of Jan. 11, 2010).] Registration: Mandatory
2. Arizona Ballot Proposition 203 (300 KB) "Arizona Medical Marijuana Act" -- Approved Nov. 2, 2010 by 50.13% of voters Allows registered qualifying patients (who must have a physician's written certification that they have been diagnosed with a debilitating condition and that they would likely receive benefit from marijuana) to obtain marijuana from a registered nonprofit dispensary, and to possess and use medical marijuana to treat the condition. Requires the Arizona Department of Health Services to establish a registration and renewal application system for patients and nonprofit dispensaries. Requires a web-based verification system for law enforcement and dispensaries to verify registry identification cards. Allows certification of a number of dispensaries not to exceed 10% of the number of pharmacies in the state (which would cap the number of dispensaries around 124). Specifies that a registered patient's use of medical marijuana is to be considered equivalent to the use of any other medication under the direction of a physician and does not disqualify a patient from medical care, including organ transplants. Specifies that employers may not discriminate against registered patients unless that employer would lose money or licensing under federal law. Employers also may not penalize registered patients solely for testing positive for marijuana in drug tests, although the law does not authorize patients to use, possess, or be impaired by marijuana on the employment premises or during the hours of employment. Approved Conditions: Cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, ALS, Crohn's disease, Alzheimer's disease, cachexia or wasting syndrome, severe and chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures (including epilepsy), severe or persistent muscle spasms (including multiple sclerosis). Possession/Cultivation: Qualified patients or their registered designated caregivers may obtain up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana in a 14-day period from a registered nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary. 2: If the patient lives more than 25 miles from the nearest dispensary, the patient or caregiver may cultivate up to 12 marijuana plants in an enclosed, locked facility. [Editor's Note: On Apr. 11, 2012, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) announced the revised rules (1.1 MB) for regulating medical marijuana and set the application dates for May 14 through May 25. Dispensary registration certificates are expected to be awarded on Aug. 7, 2012.]	Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Medical Marijuana Program 150 North 18th Avenue Phoenix, Arizona 85007 Phone: 602-542-1023 Prop 203 Information Hub Information provided by the state on sources for medical marijuana: "Qualifying patients can obtain medical marijuana from a dispensary, the qualifying patient's designated caregiver, another qualifying patient, or, if authorized to cultivate, from home cultivation. When a qualifying patient obtains or renews a registry identification card, the Department will provide a list of all operating dispensaries to the qualifying patient." ADHS, "Qualifying Patients FAQs," (150 KB) Mar. 25, 2010 Patient Registry Fee: $150 / $75 for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants Accepts other states' registry ID cards? 3: Yes, but does not permit visiting patients to obtain marijuana from an Arizona dispensary Registration: Mandatory
3. California Ballot Proposition 215 (45 KB) -- Approved Nov. 5, 1996 by 56% of voters Effective: Nov. 6, 1996 Removes state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who possess a "written or oral recommendation" from their physician that he or she "would benefit from medical marijuana." Patients diagnosed with any debilitating illness where the medical use of marijuana has been "deemed appropriate and has been recommended by a physician" are afforded legal protection under this act. Approved Conditions: AIDS, anorexia, arthritis, cachexia, cancer, chronic pain, glaucoma, migraine, persistent muscle spasms, including spasms associated with multiple sclerosis, seizures, including seizures associated with epilepsy, severe nausea; Other chronic or persistent medical symptoms. Amended: Senate Bill 420 (70 KB) Effective: Jan. 1, 2004 Imposes statewide guidelines outlining how much medicinal marijuana patients may grow and possess. Possession/Cultivation: Qualified patients and their primary caregivers may possess no more than eight ounces of dried marijuana and/or six mature (or 12 immature) marijuana plants. However, S.B. 420 allows patients to possess larger amounts of marijuana when recommended by a physician. The legislation also allows counties and municipalities to approve and/or maintain local ordinances permitting patients to possess larger quantities of medicinal pot than allowed under the new state guidelines. S.B. 420 also grants implied legal protection to the state's medicinal marijuana dispensaries, stating, "Qualified patients, persons with valid identification cards, and the designated primary caregivers of qualified patients ... who associate within the state of California in order collectively or cooperatively to cultivate marijuana for medical purposes, shall not solely on the basis of that fact be subject to state criminal sanctions." 4: [Editor's Note: On Jan. 21, 2010, the California Supreme Court affirmed (S164830 (300 KB)) the May 22, 2008 Second District Court of Appeals ruling (50 KB) in the Kelly Case that the possession limits set by SB 420 violate the California constitution because the voter-approved Prop. 215 can only be amended by the voters. ProCon.org contacted the California Medical Marijuana Program (MMP) on Dec. 6, 2010 to ask 1) how the ruling affected the implementation of the program, and 2) what instructions are given to patients regarding possession limits. A California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Office of Public Affairs representative wrote the following in a Dec. 7, 2010 email to ProCon.org: "The role of MMP under Senate Bill 420 is to implement the State Medical Marijuana ID Card Program in all California counties. CDPH does not oversee the amounts that a patient may possess or grow. When asked what a patient can possess, patients are referred to www.courtinfo.ca.gov, case S164830 which is the Kelly case, changing the amounts a patient can possess from 8 oz, 6 mature plants or 12 immature plants to 'the amount needed for a patient’s personal use.' MMP can only cite what the law says." According to a Jan. 21, 2010 article titled "California Supreme Court Further Clarifies Medical Marijuana Laws," by Aaron Smith, California Policy Director at the Marijuana Policy Project, the impact of the ruling is that people growing more than 6 mature or 12 immature plants are still subject to arrest and prosecution, but they will be allowed to use a medical necessity defense in court.] Attorney General's Guidelines: On Aug. 25, 2008, California Attorney General Jerry Brown issued guidelines for law enforcement and medical marijuana patients to clarify the state's laws. Read more about the guidelines here.	California Department of Public Health Office of County Health Services Attention: Medical Marijuana Program Unit MS 5203 P.O. Box 997377 Sacramento, CA 95899-7377 Phone: 916-552-8600 Fax: 916-440-5591 mmpinfo@dhs.ca.gov CA Medical Marijuana Program Guidelines for the Security and Non-diversion of Marijuana Grown for Medical Use (55 KB) Information provided by the state on sources for medical marijuana: "Dispensaries, growing collectives, etc., are licensed through local city or county business ordinances and the regulatory authority lies with the State Attorney General's Office. Their number is 1-800-952-5225." (accessed Jan. 11, 2010) Patient Registry Fee: $66 non Medi-Cal / $33 Medi-Cal, plus additional county fees (varies by location) Accepts other states' registry ID cards? No Registration: Voluntary
4. Colorado Ballot Amendment 20 -- Approved Nov. 7, 2000 by 54% of voters Effective: June 1, 2001 Removes state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who possess written documentation from their physician affirming that he or she suffers from a debilitating condition and advising that they "might benefit from the medical use of marijuana." (Patients must possess this documentation prior to an arrest.) Approved Conditions: Cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS positive, cachexia; severe pain; severe nausea; seizures, including those that are characteristic of epilepsy; or persistent muscle spasms, including those that are characteristic of multiple sclerosis. Other conditions are subject to approval by the Colorado Board of Health. Possession/Cultivation: A patient or a primary caregiver who has been issued a Medical Marijuana Registry identification card may possess no more than two ounces of a usable form of marijuana and not more than six marijuana plants, with three or fewer being mature, flowering plants that are producing a usable form of marijuana. Patients who do not join the registry or possess greater amounts of marijuana than allowed by law may argue the "affirmative defense of medical necessity" if they are arrested on marijuana charges. Amended: House Bill 1284 (236 KB) and Senate Bill 109 (50 KB) Effective: June 7, 2010 Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed the bills into law and stated the following in a June 7, 2010 press release: "House Bill 1284 provides a regulatory framework for dispensaries, including giving local communities the ability to ban or place sensible and much-needed controls on the operation, location and ownership of these establishments. Senate Bill 109 will help prevent fraud and abuse, ensuring that physicians who authorize medical marijuana for their patients actually perform a physical exam, do not have a DEA flag on their medical license and do not have a financial relationship with a dispensary."	Medical Marijuana Registry Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment HSVR-ADM2-A1 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South Denver, CO 80246-1530 Phone: 303-692-2184 medical.marijuana@state.co.us CO Medical Marijuana Registry Information provided by the state on sources for medical marijuana: "The Colorado Medical Marijuana amendment, statutes and regulations are silent on the issue of dispensaries. While the Registry is aware that a number of such businesses have been established across the state, we do not have a formal relationship with them." (accessed Jan. 11, 2010) Patient Registry Fee: $35 Accepts other states' registry ID cards? No Registration: Voluntary
5. District of Columbia (DC) Amendment Act B18-622 (80KB) "Legalization of Marijuana for Medical Treatment Amendment Act of 2010" -- Approved 13-0 by the Council of the District of Columbia on May 4, 2010; signed by the Mayor on May 21, 2010| Effective: July 27, 2010 [After being signed by the Mayor, the law underwent a 30-day Congessional review period. Neither the Senate nor the House acted to stop the law, so it became effective when the review period ended.] Approved Conditions: HIV, AIDS, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, cancer, other conditions that are chronic, long-lasting, debilitating, or that interfere with the basic functions of life, serious medical conditions for which the use of medical marijuana is beneficial, patients undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Possession/Cultivation: The maximum amount of medical marijuana that any qualifying patient or caregiver may possess at any moment is two ounces of dried medical marijuana. The Mayor may increase the quantity of dried medical marijuana that may be possessed up to four ounces; and shall decide limits on medical marijuana of a form other than dried. On Apr. 14, 2011, Mayor Vincent C. Gray announced the adoption of an emergency amendment (450 KB) to title 22 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR), which added a new subtitle C entitled "Medical Marijuana." The emergency amendment "will set forth the process and procedure" for patients, caregivers, physicians, and dispensaries, and "implement the provisions of the Act that must be addressed at the onset to enable the Department to administer the program." On Feb. 14, 2012, the DC Department of Health's Health Regulation and Licensing Administration posted a revised timeline for the dispensary application process (180 KB), which listed June 8, 2012 as the date by which the Department intends to announce dispensary applicants available for registration.	Medical Marijuana Program The law establishes a medical marijuana program to "regulate the manufacture, cultivation, distribution, dispensing, purchase, delivery, sale, possession, and administration of medical marijuana and the manufacture, possession, purchase, sale, and use of paraphernalia. The Program shall be administered by the Mayor." Patient Registry Fee: *[Editor's Note: Although the law took effect on July 27, 2010, the Mayor and the Department of Health have yet to determine how the medical marijuana program will be run. A DC Department of Health spokesperson told ProCon.org by phone on Jan. 19, 2011 that no announcement has been made regarding when the program will begin.] Accepts other states' registry ID cards? Unknown Registration: Program not yet established (as of Feb. 22, 2012)
6. Delaware Senate Bill 17 (100 KB) -- Signed into law by Gov. Jack Markell (D) on May 13, 2011 Approved: By House 27-14, by Senate 17-4 Effective: July 1, 2011 Under this law, a patient is only protected from arrest if his or her physician certifies, in writing, that the patient has a specified debilitating medical condition and that the patient would receive therapeutic benefit from medical marijuana. The patient must send a copy of the written certification to the state Department of Health and Social Services, and the Department will issue an ID card after verifying the information. As long as the patient is in compliance with the law, there will be no arrest. The law does not allow patients or caregivers to grow marijuana at home, but it does allow for the state-regulated, non-profit distribution of medical marijuana by compassion centers. Approved Conditions: Approved for treatment of debilitating medical conditions, defined as cancer, HIV/AIDS, decompensated cirrhosis, ALS, Alzheimer's disease, post-traumatic stress disorder; or a medical condition that produces wasting syndrome, severe debilitating pain that has not responded to other treatments for more than three months or for which other treatments produced serious side effects, severe nausea, seizures, or severe and persistent muscle spasms. Possession/Cultivation: Patients 18 and older with certain debilitating conditions may possess up to six ounces of marijuana with a doctor's written recommendation. A registered compassion center may not dispense more than 3 ounces of marijuana to a registered qualifying patient in any fourteen-day period, and a patient may register with only one compassion center. [Editor's Note: On Feb. 12, 2012, Gov. Markell released the following statement (presented in its entirety), available on delaware.gov, in response to a letter from US District Attorney Charles Oberly (2 MB): "I am very disappointed by the change in policy at the federal department of justice, as it requires us to stop implementation of the compassion centers. To do otherwise would put our state employees in legal jeopardy and I will not do that. Unfortunately, this shift in the federal position will stand in the way of people in pain receiving help. Our law sought to provide that in a manner that was both highly regulated and safe." Although the Governor suspended implementation of the compassion centers, Senate Bill 17 contains a provision that allows for an affirmative defense for individuals "in possession of no more than six ounces of usable marijuana."] The Apr. 2012 Delaware Register of Regulations included the proposed regulations for the Delaware medical marijuana program (250 KB).	The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services is responsible for authorizing three not-for-profit compassionate care centers and establishing a registry program for patients. Patient Registry Fee: **Program not yet established (as of Feb. 22, 2012) Accepts other states' registry ID cards? 5: Yes (a visiting qualifying patient is not subject to arrest) Registration: Mandatory
7. Hawaii Senate Bill 862 (40 KB) -- Signed into law by Gov. Ben Cayetano on June 14, 2000 Approved: By House 32-18, by Senate 13-12 Effective: Dec. 28, 2000 Removes state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who possess a signed statement from their physician affirming that he or she suffers from a debilitating condition and that the "potential benefits of medical use of marijuana would likely outweigh the health risks." The law establishes a mandatory, confidential state-run patient registry that issues identification cards to qualifying patients. Approved conditions: Cancer, glaucoma, positive status for HIV/AIDS; A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces cachexia or wasting syndrome, severe pain, severe nausea, seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy, or severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis or Crohn's disease. Other conditions are subject to approval by the Hawaii Department of Health. Possession/Cultivation: The amount of marijuana that may be possessed jointly between the qualifying patient and the primary caregiver is an "adequate supply," which shall not exceed three mature marijuana plants, four immature marijuana plants, and one ounce of usable marijuana per each mature plant. Not Amended	Narcotics Enforcement Division 3375 Koapaka Street, Suite D-100 Honolulu, HI 96819 Phone: 808-837-8470 Fax: 808-837-8474 HI Medical Marijuana Application info Information provided by the state on sources for medical marijuana: "Hawaii law does not authorize any person or entity to sell or dispense marijuana... Hawaii law authorizes the medical use of marijuana, it does not authorize the distribution of marijuana (Dispensaries) other than the transfer from a qualifying patient's primary caregiver to the qualifying patient." (accessed Jan. 11, 2010) Patient Registry Fee: $25 Accepts other states' registry ID cards? No Registration: Mandatory
8. Maine Ballot Question 2 -- Approved Nov. 2, 1999 by 61% of voters Effective: Dec. 22, 1999 Removes state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who possess an oral or written "professional opinion" from their physician that he or she "might benefit from the medical use of marijuana." The law does not establish a state-run patient registry. Approved diagnosis: epilepsy and other disorders characterized by seizures; glaucoma; multiple sclerosis and other disorders characterized by muscle spasticity; and nausea or vomiting as a result of AIDS or cancer chemotherapy. Possession/Cultivation: Patients (or their primary caregivers) may legally possess no more than one and one-quarter (1.25) ounces of usable marijuana, and may cultivate no more than six marijuana plants, of which no more than three may be mature. Those patients who possess greater amounts of marijuana than allowed by law are afforded a "simple defense" to a charge of marijuana possession. Amended: Senate Bill 611 Effective: Signed into law on Apr. 2, 2002 Increases the amount of useable marijuana a person may possess from one and one-quarter (1.25) ounces to two and one-half (2.5) ounces. Amended: Question 5 (135 KB) -- Approved Nov. 3, 2009 by 59% of voters List of approved conditions changed to include cancer, glaucoma, HIV, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Crohn's disease, Alzheimer's, nail-patella syndrome, chronic intractable pain, cachexia or wasting syndrome, severe nausea, seizures (epilepsy), severe and persistent muscle spasms, and multiple sclerosis. Instructs the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to establish a registry identification program for patients and caregivers. Stipulates provisions for the operation of nonprofit dispensaries. [Editor's Note: An Aug. 19, 2010 email to ProCon.org from Catherine M. Cobb, Director of Maine's Division of Licensing and Regulatory Services, stated: "We have just set up our interface to do background checks on caregivers and those who are associated with dispensaries. They may not have a disqualifying drug offense."]	Department of Health and Human Services Division of Licensing and Regulatory Services John Thiele, Program Manager 11 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333 207-287-9300 Maine Medical Marijuana Program john.l.thiele@maine.gov Information provided by the state on sources for medical marijuana: ID cards being issued to patients who grow their own medical marijauna. State licensing program (as of Jan. 11, 2009) Patient Registry Fee: $100 / $75 with Medicaid Card Caregivers pay $300/patient (limit of 5 patients; if not growing marijuana, there is no fee) Accepts other states' registry ID cards? Yes 6: "Law enforcement will accept appropriate authorization from a participating state, but that patient cannot purchase marijuana in Maine without registering here. That requires a Maine physician and a Maine driver license or other picture ID issued by the state of Maine. The letter from a physician in another state is only good for 30 days." (Aug. 19, 2010 email from Maine's Division of Licensing and Regulatory Services) Registration: Voluntary until Dec. 31, 2010 "Patients using marijuana under the old informal system will have their 'affirmative defense' expire on that date. Thereafter, they will need a patient card issued in Maine." (Aug. 19, 2010 email from Maine's Division of Licensing and Regulatory Services)
9. Michigan  Proposal 1 (60 KB) "Michigan Medical Marihuana Act" -- Approved by 63% of voters on Nov. 4, 2008 Approved: Nov. 4, 2008 Effective: Dec. 4, 2008 Approved Conditions: Approved for treatment of debilitating medical conditions, defined as cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Crohn's disease, agitation of Alzheimer's disease, nail patella, cachexia or wasting syndrome, severe and chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, epilepsy, muscle spasms, and multiple sclerosis. Possession/Cultivation: Patients may possess up to two and one-half (2.5) ounces of usable marijuana and twelve marijuana plants kept in an enclosed, locked facility. The twelve plants may be kept by the patient only if he or she has not specified a primary caregiver to cultivate the marijuana for him or her.	Michigan Medical Marihuana Program (MMMP) Bureau of Health Professions, Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs P.O. Box 30083 Lansing, MI 48909 Phone: 517-373-0395 BHP-MMMPINFO@michigan.gov MI Medical Marihuana Program Information provided by the state on sources for medical marijuana: "The MMMP is not a resource for the growing process and does not have information to give to patients." (accessed Jan. 11, 2010) Patient Registry Fee: $100 new or renewal application / $25 Medicaid patients Accepts other states' registry ID cards? Yes Registration: Mandatory
10. Montana Initiative 148 (76 KB) -- Approved by 62% of voters on Nov. 2, 2004 Effective: Nov. 2, 2004 Approved Conditions: Cancer, glaucoma, or positive status for HIV/AIDS, or the treatment of these conditions; a chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces cachexia or wasting syndrome, severe or chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, including seizures caused by epilepsy, or severe or persistent muscle spasms, including spasms caused by multiple sclerosis or Chrohn's disease; or any other medical condition or treatment for a medical condition adopted by the department by rule. Possession/Cultivation: A qualifying patient and a qualifying patient's caregiver may each possess six marijuana plants and one ounce of usable marijuana. "Usable marijuana" means the dried leaves and flowers of marijuana and any mixture or preparation of marijuana. Amended: SB 423 (100 KB) -- Passed on Apr. 28, 2011 and transmitted to the Governor on May 3, 2011 Effective: July 1, 2011 SB 423 changes the application process to require a Montana driver's license or state issued ID card. A second physician is required to confirm a chronic pain diagnosis. Approved Conditions: Cancer, glaucoma, or positive status for HIV/AIDS when the condition or disease results in symptoms that seriously and adversely affect the patient's health status; Cachexia or wasting syndrome; Severe, chronic pain that is persistent pain of severe intensity that significantly interferes with daily activities as documented by the patient's treating physician; Intractable nausea or vomiting; Epilepsy or intractable seizure disorder; Multiple sclerosis; Chron's Disease; Painful peripheral neuropathy; A central nervous system disorder resulting in chronic, painful spasticity or muscle spasms; Admittance into hospice care. Possession/Cultivation: Amended to 12 seedlings (less than 12"), four mature flowering plants, and one ounce of usable marijuana.	Medical Marijuana Program Montana Department of Health and Human Services Licensure Bureau 2401 Colonial Drive, 2nd Floor P.O. Box 202953 Helena, MT 59620-2953 Phone: 406-444-2676 jbuska@mt.gov MT Medical Marijuana Program Medical Marijuana Program FAQs (35 KB) Information provided by the state on sources for medical marijuana: "The Medical Marijuana Act... allows a patient or caregiver to grow up to six plants or possess up to one ounce of usable marijuana. The department cannot give advice or referrals on how to obtain a supply of marijuana... State law is silent on where grow sites can be located." (accessed Jan. 11, 2010) Patient Registry Fee: $25 new application/$10 renewal (reduced from $50 as of Oct. 1, 2009) Accepts other states' registry ID cards? No (reciprocity ended when SB 423 took effect) Registration: Mandatory
11. Nevada Ballot Question 9 -- Approved Nov. 7, 2000 by 65% of voters Effective: Oct. 1, 2001 Removes state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who have "written documentation" from their physician that marijuana may alleviate his or her condition. Approved Conditions: AIDS; cancer; glaucoma; and any medical condition or treatment to a medical condition that produces cachexia, persistent muscle spasms or seizures, severe nausea or pain. Other conditions are subject to approval by the health division of the state Department of Human Resources. Possession/Cultivation: Patients (or their primary caregivers) may legally possess no more than one ounce of usable marijuana, three mature plants, and four immature plants. Registry: The law establishes a confidential state-run patient registry that issues identification cards to qualifying patients. Patients who do not join the registry or possess greater amounts of marijuana than allowed by law may argue the "affirmative defense of medical necessity" if they are arrested on marijuana charges. Legislators added a preamble to the legislation stating, "[T]he state of Nevada as a sovereign state has the duty to carry out the will of the people of this state and regulate the health, medical practices and well-being of those people in a manner that respects their personal decisions concerning the relief of suffering through the medical use of marijuana." A separate provision requires the Nevada School of Medicine to "aggressively" seek federal permission to establish a state-run medical marijuana distribution program. Amended: Assembly Bill 453 (25 KB) Effective: Oct. 1, 2001 Created a state registry for patients whose physicians recommend medical marijuana and tasked the Department of Motor Vehicles with issuing identification cards. No state money will be used for the program, which will be funded entirely by donations.	Nevada State Health Division 4150 Technology Way, Suite 104 Carson City, Nevada Phone: 775-687-7594 Fax: 775-684-4156 NV Medical Marijuana Program Information provided by the state on sources for medical marijuana: "The NMMP is not a resource for the growing process and does not have information to give to patients." Patient Registry Fee: $50 application fee, plus $150 for the card (new or renewal), plus $15-42 in additional related costs Accepts other states' registry ID cards? No Registration: Mandatory
12. New Jersey Senate Bill 119 (175 KB) Approved: Jan. 11, 2010 by House, 48-14; by Senate, 25-13 Signed into law by Gov. Jon Corzine on Jan. 18, 2010 Effective: Six months from enactment [Editor's Note: S119 was supposed to become effective six months after it was enacted on Jan. 18, 2010, but the legislature, DHHS, and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie did not agree on the details of how the program would be run. The DHHS website FAQs section indicates that medical marijuana will be available to patients in July 2011.] Protects "patients who use marijuana to alleviate suffering from debilitating medical conditions, as well as their physicians, primary caregivers, and those who are authorized to produce marijuana for medical purposes" from "arrest, prosecution, property forfeiture, and criminal and other penalties." Also provides for the creation of alternative treatment centers, "at least two each in the northern, central, and southern regions of the state. The first two centers issued a permit in each region shall be nonprofit entities, and centers subsequently issued permits may be nonprofit or for-profit entities." Approved Conditions: Seizure disorder, including epilepsy, intractable skeletal muscular spasticity, glaucoma; severe or chronic pain, severe nausea or vomiting, cachexia, or wasting syndrome resulting from HIV/AIDS or cancer; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease), multiple sclerosis, terminal cancer, muscular dystrophy, or inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease; terminal illness, if the physician has determined a prognosis of less than 12 months of life or any other medical condition or its treatment that is approved by the Department of Health and Senior Services. Possession/Cultivation: Physicians determine how much marijuana a patient needs and give written instructions to be presented to an alternative treatment center. The maximum amount for a 30-day period is two ounces. The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services released draft rules (385 KB) outlining the registration and application process on Oct. 6, 2010. A public hearing to discuss the proposed rules was held on Dec. 6, 2010 at at the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, according to the New Jersey Register. On Dec. 20, 2011, Senator Nicholas Scutari (D), lead sponsor of the medical marijuana bill, submitted Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 140 (25 KB) declaring that the "Board of Medical Examiners proposed medicinal marijuana program rules are inconsistent with legislative intent." The New Jersey Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens committee held a public hearing to discuss SCR 140 and a similar bill, SCR 130, on Jan. 20, 2010. On Feb. 3, 2011, DHSS proposed new rules (200 KB) that streamlined the permit process for cultivating and dispensing, prohibited home delivery by alternative treatment centers, and required that "conditions originally named in the Act be resistant to conventional medical therapy in order to qualify as debilitating medical conditions." A page on the DHSS website titled "Frequently Asked Questions about the Medicinal Marijuana Program," accessed on Feb. 22, 2012, stated that the patient registry has not opened yet, but 109 physicians have pre-registered for the program. When the registry opens, the physicians will be able to register patients with DHSS.	S119 becomes effective six months after the law was enacted on Jan. 18, 2010. The program will be run by the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). Medicinal Marijuana Program Information provided by the state on sources for medical marijuana: Patients are not allowed to grow their own marijuana. On Mar. 21, 2011, the New Jersey DHHS announced the locations of six nonprofit alternative treatment centers (ATCs) (100 KB) from which medical marijuana may be obtained. Medical marijuana is not covered by Medicaid. Patient Registry Fee: $200 (valid for two years). Reduced fee of $20 for patients qualifying for state or federal assistance programs Accepts other states' registry ID cards? Unknown Registration: Mandatory
13. New Mexico Senate Bill 523 (71 KB) "The Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act" Approved: Mar. 13, 2007 by House, 36-31; by Senate, 32-3 Effective: July 1, 2007 Removes state-level criminal penalties on the use and possession of marijuana by patients "in a regulated system for alleviating symptoms caused by debilitating medical conditions and their medical treatments." The New Mexico Department of Health designated to administer the program and register patients, caregivers, and providers. Approved Conditions: The 15 current qualifying conditions for medical cannabis are: severe chronic pain, painful peripheral neuropathy, intractable nausea/vomiting, severe anorexia/cachexia, hepatitis C infection, Crohn's disease, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), cancer, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, damage to the nervous tissue of the spinal cord with intractable spasticity, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, and hospice patients. Possession/Cultivation: Patients have the right to possess up to six ounces of usable cannabis, four mature plants and 12 seedlings. Usable cannabis is defined as dried leaves and flowers; it does not include seeds, stalks or roots. A primary caregiver may provide services to a maximum of four qualified patients under the Medical Cannabis Program.	New Mexico Department of Health 1190 St. Francis Drive P.O. Box 26110 Santa Fe, NM 87502-6110 Phone: 505-827-2321 medical.cannabis@state.nm.us NM Medical Cannabis Program Information provided by the state on sources for medical marijuana: "Patients can apply for a license to produce their own medical cannabis... Once a patient is approved we provide them with information about how to contact the licensed producers to receive medical cannabis." (accessed Jan. 11, 2010) Patient Registry Fee: $0 Accepts other states' registry ID cards? No Registration: Mandatory
14. Oregon Ballot Measure 67 (75 KB) -- Approved by 55% of voters on Nov. 3, 1998 Effective: Dec. 3, 1998 Removes state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who possess a signed recommendation from their physician stating that marijuana "may mitigate" his or her debilitating symptoms. Approved Conditions: Cancer, glaucoma, positive status for HIV/AIDS, or treatment for these conditions; A medical condition or treatment for a medical condition that produces cachexia, severe pain, severe nausea, seizures, including seizures caused by epilepsy, or persistent muscle spasms, including spasms caused by multiple sclerosis. Other conditions are subject to approval by the Health Division of the Oregon Department of Human Resources. Possession/Cultivation: A registry identification cardholder or the designated primary caregiver of the cardholder may possess up to six mature marijuana plants and 24 ounces of usable marijuana. A registry identification cardholder and the designated primary caregiver of the cardholder may possess a combined total of up to 18 marijuana seedlings. (per Oregon Revised Statutes ORS 475.300 -- ORS 475.346) (52 KB) Amended: Senate Bill 1085 (52 KB) Effective: Jan. 1, 2006 State-qualified patients who possess cannabis in amounts exceeding the new state guidelines will no longer retain the ability to argue an "affirmative defense" of medical necessity at trial. Patients who fail to register with the state, but who possess medical cannabis in amounts compliant with state law, still retain the ability to raise an "affirmative defense" at trial. The law also redefines "mature plants" to include only those cannabis plants that are more than 12 inches in height and diameter, and establish a state-registry for those authorized to produce medical cannabis to qualified patients. Amended: House Bill 3052 Effective: July 21, 1999 Mandates that patients (or their caregivers) may only cultivate marijuana in one location, and requires that patients must be diagnosed by their physicians at least 12 months prior to an arrest in order to present an "affirmative defense." This bill also states that law enforcement officials who seize marijuana from a patient pending trial do not have to keep those plants alive. Last year the Oregon Board of Health approved agitation due to Alzheimer’s disease to the list of debilitating conditions qualifying for legal protection. In August 2001, program administrators filed established temporary procedures further defining the relationship between physicians and patients. The new rule defines attending physician as "a physician who has established a physician/patient relationship with the patient;... is primarily responsible for the care and treatment of the patients;... has reviewed a patient’s medical records at the patient’s request, has conducted a thorough physical examination of the patient, has provided a treatment plan and/or follow-up care, and has documented these activities in a patient file." [Editor's Note: On Jul 16, 2010 the Oregon Secretary of State certified a ballot measure (100 KB) to appear on the ballot in the Nov. 2010 general election. The measure would allow for the creation of state-regulated dispensaries. The measure defines dispensaries as nonprofit organizations, and would require them to pay licensing fees. Patients would still be allowed to grow their own marijuana supply.]	Oregon Department of Human Services Medical Marijuana Program PO Box 14450 Portland, OR 97293-0450 Phone: 971-673-1234 Fax: 971-673-1278 OR Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) Information provided by the state on sources for medical marijuana: "The OMMP is not a resource for the growing process and does not have information to give to patients." (accessed Jan. 11, 2010) Patient Registry Fee: 7:$200 for new applications and renewals; $100 for application and annual renewal fee for persons receiving SNAP (food stamp) and for Oregon Health Plan cardholders; $20 for persons receiving SSI benefits An additional $50 grow site registration fee is charged if the patient is not his or her own grower. Accepts other states' registry ID cards? No Registration: Mandatory
15. Rhode Island Senate Bill 0710 -- Approved by state House and Senate, vetoed by the Governor. Veto was over-ridden by House and Senate. Timeline: June 24, 2005: passed the House 52 to 10 June 28, 2005: passed the State Senate 33 to 1 June 29, 2005: Gov. Carcieri vetoed the bill June 30, 2005: Senate overrode the veto 28-6 Jan. 3, 2006: House overrode the veto 59-13 to pass the Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act (48 KB) (Public Laws 05-442 and 05-443) June 21, 2007: Amended by Senate Bill 791 (30 KB) Effective: Jan. 3, 2006 Approved Conditions: Cancer, glaucoma, positive status for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, or the treatment of these conditions; A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces cachexia or wasting syndrome; severe, debilitating, chronic pain; severe nausea; seizures, including but not limited to, those characteristic of epilepsy; or severe and persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to, those characteristic of multiple sclerosis or Crohn’s disease; or agitation of Alzheimer's Disease; or any other medical condition or its treatment approved by the state Department of Health. If you have a medical marijuana registry identification card from any other state, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia you may use it in Rhode Island. It has the same force and effect as a card issued by the Rhode Island Department of Health. Possession/Cultivation: Limits the amount of marijuana that can be possessed and grown to up to 12 marijuana plants or 2.5 ounces of cultivated marijuana. Primary caregivers may not possess an amount of marijuana in excess of 24 marijuana plants and five ounces of usable marijuana for qualifying patients to whom he or she is connected through the Department's registration process. Amended: H5359 (70 KB) - The Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act (substituted for the original bill) Timeline: May 20, 2009: passed the House 63-5 June 6, 2009: passed the State Senate 31-2 June 12, 2009: Gov. Carcieri vetoed the bill (60 KB) June 16, 2009: Senate overrode the veto 35-3 June 16, 2009: House overrode the veto 67-0 Effective: June 16, 2009Allows the creation of compassion centers, which may acquire, possess, cultivate, manufacture, deliver, transfer, transport, supply, or dispense marijuana, or related supplies and educational materials, to registered qualifying patients and their registered primary caregivers.	Rhode Island Department of Health Office of Health Professions Regulation, Room 104 3 Capitol Hill Providence, RI 02908-5097 Phone: 401-222-2828 RI Medical Marijuana Program (MMP) Information provided by the state on sources for medical marijuana: "The MMP is not a resource for marijuana and does not have information to give to patients related to the supply of marijuana." (accessed Jan. 11, 2010) Patient Registry Fee: $75/$10 for applicants on Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Accepts other states' registry ID cards? Yes, but only for the conditions approved in Rhode Island Registration: Mandatory
16. Vermont Senate Bill 76 (45 KB) -- Approved 22-7; House Bill 645 (41 KB) -- Approved 82-59 "Act Relating to Marijuana Use by Persons with Severe Illness" (Sec. 1. 18 V.S.A. chapter 86 (41 KB) passed by the General Assembly) Gov. James Douglas (R), allowed the act to pass into law unsigned on May 26, 2004 Effective: July 1, 2004 Amended: Senate Bill 00007 (65 KB) Effective: May 30, 2007 Approved Conditions: Cancer, AIDS, positive status for HIV, multiple sclerosis, or the treatment of these conditions if the disease or the treatment results in severe, persistent, and intractable symptoms; or a disease, medical condition, or its treatment that is chronic, debilitating and produces severe, persistent, and one or more of the following intractable symptoms: cachexia or wasting syndrome, severe pain or nausea or seizures. Possession/Cultivation: No more than two mature marijuana plants, seven immature plants, and two ounces of usable marijuana may be collectively possessed between the registered patient and the patient’s registered caregiver. A marijuana plant shall be considered mature when male or female flower buds are readily observed on the plant by unaided visual examination. Until this sexual differentiation has taken place, a marijuana plant will be considered immature.	Marijuana Registry Department of Public Safety 103 South Main Street Waterbury, Vermont 05671 Phone: 802-241-5115 VT Marijuana Registry Program Information provided by the state on sources for medical marijuana: "The Marijuana Registry is neither a source for marijuana nor can the Registry provide information to patients on how to obtain marijuana." (accessed Jan. 11, 2010) Patient Registry Fee: $50 Accepts other states' registry ID cards? No Registration: Mandatory
17. Washington Chapter 69.51A RCW (4KB) Ballot Initiative I-692 -- Approved by 59% of voters on Nov. 3, 1998 Effective: Nov. 3, 1998 Removes state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who possess "valid documentation" from their physician affirming that he or she suffers from a debilitating condition and that the "potential benefits of the medical use of marijuana would likely outweigh the health risks." Approved Conditions: Cachexia; cancer; HIV or AIDS; epilepsy; glaucoma; intractable pain (defined as pain unrelieved by standard treatment or medications); and multiple sclerosis. Other conditions are subject to approval by the Washington Board of Health. Possession/Cultivation: Patients (or their primary caregivers) may legally possess or cultivate no more than a 60-day supply of marijuana. The law does not establish a state-run patient registry. Amended: Senate Bill 6032 (29 KB) Effective: 2007 (rules being defined by Legislature with a July 1, 2008 due date) Amended: Final Rule (123 KB) based on Significant Analysis (370 KB) Effective: Nov. 2, 2008 Approved Conditions: Added Crohn's disease, Hepatitis C with debilitating nausea or intractable pain, diseases, including anorexia, which result in nausea, vomiting, wasting, appetite loss, cramping, seizures, muscle spasms, or spasticity, when those conditions are unrelieved by standard treatments or medications. Possession/Cultivation: A qualifying patient and designated provider may possess a total of no more than twenty-four ounces of usable marijuana, and no more than fifteen plants. This quantity became the state's official "60-day supply" on Nov. 2, 2008. [Editor's Note: On Jan. 21, 2010, the Supreme Court of the State of Washington ruled that Ballot Initiative "I-692 did not legalize marijuana, but rather provided an authorized user with an affirmative defense if the user shows compliance with the requirements for medical marijuana possession." State v. Fry (125 KB) ProCon.org contacted the Washington Department of Health to ask whether it had received any instructions in light of this ruling. Kristi Weeks, Director of Policy and Legislation, stated the following in a Jan. 25, 2010 email response to ProCon.org: "The Department of Health has a limited role related to medical marijuana in the state of Washington. Specifically, we were directed by the Legislature to determine the amount of a 60 day supply and conduct a study of issues related to access to medical marijuana. Both of these tasks have been completed. We have maintained the medical marijuana webpage for the convenience of the public. The department has not received 'any instructions' in light of State v. Fry. That case does not change the law or affect the 60 day supply. Chapter 69.51A RCW, as confirmed in Fry, provides an affirmative defense to prosecution for possession of marijuana for qualifying patients and caregivers."]	Department of Health PO Box 47866 Olympia, WA 98504-7866 Phone: 360-236-4700 Fax: 360-236-4768 MedicalMarijuana@doh.wa.gov WA Medical Marijuana website Information provided by the state on sources for medical marijuana: "The law allows a qualifying patient or designated provider to grow medical marijuana. It is not legal to buy or sell it. The law does not allow dispensaries." (accessed Jan. 11, 2010) Patient Registry Fee: ***No state registration program has been established Accepts other states' registry ID cards? No Registration: None

For a detailed list of sources used to compile this information, please see our sources page.

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