A bill passed by Vermont lawmakers to protect users of marijuana for medicinal purposes from arrest was awaiting the signature of governor James Douglas at press time in early June; it would make the state only the second after Hawaii to enact medicinal marijuana laws through the state legislature. Seven other states'Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington'have medicinal marijuana laws approved by voters as ballot initiatives. A 2003 Maryland law reduces the penalties for medicinal marijuana users, but does not eliminate the ban on the drug's use. Vermont residents with AIDS, cancer, or multiple sclerosis are permitted to grow, possess, and use a small amount of marijuana to treat the symptoms of their diseases.
