More than 30 states passed medical marijuana bills in the 1970s and '80s, including Wisconsin, but all of those left the responsibility of supplying the marijuana up to the federal government.

"A bill was passed in 1981 with overwhelming majorities in both houses," said Madison marijuana activist Gary Storck. "It was signed into law by Gov. Lee Sherman Dreyfus in 1982, but, unfortunately, it was kind of a watered-down law that required the federal government to supply the medical marijuana, which the state would then dispense to approved patients who had glaucoma or were undergoing cancer chemotherapy. The bill was basically rendered symbolic."

Even though federal law fails to recognize marijuana for medical use (except for the five surviving federal recipients), since 1996 12 states have enacted laws that allow patients to use medical marijuana.

To be effective, a state law must remove criminal penalties for patients who use, possess and grow medical marijuana with their doctors' approval or certification. A 13th state, Maryland, has established an "affirmative defense" law, which protects medical marijuana patients from jail but not arrest.

The Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act introduced last month by two Assembly Democrats is modeled after the laws in those states.

Alaska : Since 1999. up to 8 ounces of dried marijuana and six mature or 12 immature marijuana plants are legal with a signed physician statement certifying diagnosis and that other medications were considered.

California: Since 1996, up to 8 ounces of dried marijuana and six mature or 12 immature marijuana plants.

Colorado: Since 2000, for patients in possession of ID cards, up to 8 ounces.

Hawaii: Since 2000, no more than 3 usable ounces and seven plants, three of which may be mature.

Maine: Since 1999, 2.5 ounces and six plants, three of which may be mature.

Montana: Since 2004, 1 usable ounce and six plants.

Nevada: Since 2000, 1 usable ounce and seven plants, three of which may be mature. Patients may use affirmative defense to argue that greater amounts are medically necessary.

New Mexico: Since 2007, "Adequate supply" to be determined by state Health Department.

Oregon: Since 1998, 24 ounces of usable marijuana, six mature marijuana plants and 18 seedlings per patient jointly with his or her caregiver.

Rhode Island: Since 2006, 2.5 usable ounces and 12 plants.

Vermont: Since 2004, 2 usable ounces and three plants, one of which may be mature.

Washington: Since 1996, a "60-day supply" is allowed.

Newshawk: Is My Medicine Legal YET? www.immly.org
Pubdate: Mon, 1 Oct 2008
Source: Scene, The (Appleton, WI)
Cover: articles, cover image http://www.mapinc.org/images/octobercover.jpg
Copyright: 2007 Moran Marketing Group
Contact: jlundstrom@new.rr.com
Website: http://scenenewspaper.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4578
Author: Jim Lundstrom