Massachusettes Medicinal Marijuana Laws

Massachusetts would join 14 other states in legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes.

In 1992, Massachusetts passed a law allowing medical marijuana, but the issue of supply has kept the law from serving its purpose. However, as of December 2010, a bill exists in the House of Representatives which would allow people with a verifiable medical need to possess and grow marijuana.

Legislation

House Bill 2160 would allow the commonwealth's public health department to issue identification cards to patients with written proof of the need for marijuana in treatment of a health issue. Having a card would allow the patient to carry up to four ounces of marijuana and grow up to 12 plants for their own medical use. Driving or working while impaired would still be illegal.

Status

House Bill 2160 was sent to study by the Joint Committee on Public Health in March 2010. Legislators continue to research the bill before bringing it to a vote.

Support and Opposition

A study released in September 2009 showed that more than 80 percent of Massachusetts' residents supported the premise of the bill. Organizations expressing support of the bill include the Massachusetts chapters of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Breast Cancer Coalition, AIDS Action Committee and Massachusetts Public Health Association. However, many national organizations such as the Drug Free America Foundation and the Food and Drug Administration disagree that marijuana has a positive medicinal effect.

References

• Cannabis News: HB 2160
• Massachusetts Patient Advocacy Alliance: The Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Act
• Massachusetts Patient Advocacy Alliance: Home
• Boston.com: The Pros and Cons of Medical Marijuana
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Inter-Agency Advisory Regarding Claims That Smoked Marijuana Is a Medicine

Resources

• Massachusetts Legislature: Bill Text - H2160