Newly Elected Maryland Governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. ( R ) said last week he would sign legislation to legalize medical marijuana, "giving new hope to advocates who say the drug can help relieve nausea from chemotherapy and other debilitating conditions."

"A doctor, a nurse and a cancer survivor are among the lawmakers drafting marijuana bills.
Del. Dan K. Morhaim (D-Dist. 11) of Owings Mills, a physician, wants to allow doctors to prescribe marijuana under strict controls. Two doctors would have to sign off on the prescription and follow up to see how patients are responding to treatment."

"Morhaim envisions the state government eventually growing and distributing marijuana to ensure consistent quality and control."

"We prescribe drugs much more dangerous than marijuana," Morhaim said. "We prescribe narcotics, we even prescribe cocaine on occasion. Like any medical tool, it's going to help some people and not others."

If Maryland enacts a medical marijuana bill, it could have a national impact, "both because Ehrlich is a Republican and because Maryland would be one of the first states on the East Coast to pass medical marijuana legislation. It also would put the issue directly on Congress' doorstep."

Marijuana use is thought to benefit patients suffering from cancer, glaucoma, nausea, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.

Erlich is not a johnny-come-lately to the issue. While serving in Congress, he was one of a few Republicans to co-sponsor a medical marijuana bill introduced by Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA.)

Update: In other medical marijuana news, students at the University of Missouri have gathered enough petition signatures to force a vote before the City Council on legalizing marijuana for medical use. On Tuesday, the Council will vote either to pass the measure or put it before the voters on April 8.

The proposal was written by law student Anthony Johnson. According to Johnson, the measure also decriminalizes personal possession of small amounts of pot.