1. Alabama 2. Idaho 3. Illinois 4. Indiana 5. Iowa 6. Kansas 7. Maryland 8. Massachusetts 9. Mississippi 10. Missouri 11. New Hampshire 12. New York 13. Ohio 14. Oklahoma 15. Pennsylvania 16. West Virginia 17. Wisconsin
17 States with Pending Legislation to Legalize Medical Marijuana
(as of Feb. 13, 2012)
| 1. Alabama | Summary | History (last action date) |
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House Bill: HB 0025 
(40 KB) |
"Marijuana, use for medical purposes authorized, certified by physician, regulated as controlled substances, Michael Phillips Compassionate Care Act." | Pre-filed by Rep. Patricia Todd (D) and assigned to the health committee; Pending Committee Action in House of Origin when the legislature convenes on Feb. 7, 2012 (as of Jan. 23, 2012) |
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House Bill: HB 0066
(110 KB) |
"Alabama Medical Marijuana Patients Rights Act, authorizing medical use of marijuana for certain qualifying patients." | Pre-filed by Rep. Brown (R) and assigned to the Health Committee; Pending committee action in House of Origin when the legislature convenes on Feb. 7, 2012 (as of Jan. 23, 2012) |
| 2. Idaho | Summary | History (last action date) |
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House Bill: HB 370
(100 KB) |
"Idaho Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act: Compassion dictates that a distinction be made between medical and nonmedical uses of marijuana. Hence, the purpose of this chapter is to protect from arrest, prosecution, property forfeiture, and criminal and other penalties those 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." | Introduced by Rep. Tom Trail (R) on Jan. 17, 2012; Referred to State Affairs Committee (Jan. 18, 2012) |
| 3. Illinois | Summary | History (last action date) |
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House Bill: HB 0030
(100 KB) |
"Creates the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act,"
allowing state-registered patients diagnosed by a physician as having a
debilitating medical condition to cultivate medical marijuana or to
obtain it from state-regulated dispensaries." Amendment 1 repeals the program after three years and prohibits patients from driving for 12 hours after consuming marijuana. Amendment 2 makes it illegal for dispensaries to make campaign contributions. Amendment 3 sets a $5,000 non-refundable application fee and $20,000 certificate fee for dispensaries. Amendment 4 "Excludes from the definition of 'qualifying patient' active public safety personnel." |
Pre-filed with clerk by Deputy Majority Leader Lou Lang (D) on Dec. 28,
2010; First reading in the House and referral to Rules Committee on Jan.
12, 2011; Added chief co-sponsor Rep. Angelo Saviano (R) on Jan. 20,
2011; Added chief co-sponsor Rep. Ann Williams (D) on Jan. 21, 2011;
Assigned to Human Services Committee on Feb. 8, 2011; House Committee
Amendment No.1 filed, referred to Rules Committee, referred to Human
Services Committee on Mar. 8, 2011; Adopted by voice vote in Human
Services (6-5) and placed on calendar for 2nd reading on Mar. 9, 2011;
Amendment 2 filed Apr. 12, 2011; Amendment 3 filed Apr. 22, 2011;
Amendment 4 filed May 3, 2011; Third reading held May 4, 2011; Added
chief co-sponsors Rep. Kenneth Dunkin (D) and Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D)
on May 5, 2011; Added co-sponsor Rep. Kelly M. Cassidy (D) on May 18,
2011; Final action deadline extended to May 31, 2011 on May 27, 2011;
Re-referred to Rules Committee (May 31, 2011) The Illinois state legislature has a two-year session so the bill can be reconsidered in 2012. The legislature reconvened on Jan. 11, 2012. |
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Senate Bill: SB 1548
(150 KB) |
"Creates the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall issue a registry identification card to a qualified patient with a debilitating medical condition that allows the patient to possess no more than 2 ounces of dried usable cannabis and 6 cannabis plants, no more than 3 of which can be mature cannabis plants... Provides that the Act is repealed 3 years after its effective date." |
Filed by Sen. Haine (D) on Feb. 9, 2011; Assigned to Judiciary Committee
on Feb. 23, 2011; Amended and passed by the Judiciary Committee on Mar.
15, 2011; Referred to Assignments (July 23, 2011)
The Illinois state legislature has a two-year session so the bill can be reconsidered in 2012. The legislature reconvened on Jan. 11, 2012. |
| 4. Indiana | Summary | History (last action date) |
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House Bill: HB 1370
(150 KB) |
"Requires the executive board of the state department of health to adopt rules to regulate registered medicinal marijuana cardholders, medicinal marijuana dispensaries, and registered medicinal marijuana dispensary employees. Provides that marijuana crimes do not apply in certain circumstances to medicinal marijuana cardholders, medicinal marijuana dispensaries, and registered medicinal marijuana dispensary employees." | Introduced by Rep. Tom Knollman (R), coauthored by Rep. Mike White (D), received first reading and referred to Committee on Public Policy (Jan. 11, 2012) |
| 5. Iowa | Summary | History (last action date) |
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Senate File: SF 266
(100 KB) |
"An Act relating to the creation of a medical marijuana Act including
the creation of nonprofit dispensaries, and providing for civil and
criminal penalties and fees." Allows qualifying patients to possess no more than two and one-half ounces of usable marijuana and six marijuana plants. |
Introduced by Sen. Joe Bolkcom and referred to Human Resources on Feb.
21, 2011; Referred to Human Resources subcommittee (Feb. 22,
2011) SF 266 carried over when the legislature reconvened on Jan. 9, 2012. |
| 6. Kansas | Summary | History (last action date) |
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House Bill: HB 2330
(150 KB) |
"An Act enacting the cannabis compassion and care act; providing for the legal use of cannabis for certain debilitating medical conditions; providing for the registration and functions of compassion centers; authorizing the issuance of identification cards." |
Introduced by Rep. Gail Finney (D) on Feb. 11, 2011; Referred to
Committee on Health and Human Services (Feb. 14, 2011)
The bill carried over to the 2012 when the new legislative session began on Jan. 9, 2012. |
| 7. Maryland | Summary | History (last action date) |
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House Bill: HB 15
(300 KB) |
Maryland Medical Marijuana Act: "Authorizing the medical use of marijuana under specified circumstances; repealing criminal provisions that allow the imposition of a fine or the use of an affirmative defense for use or possession of marijuana or use or possession of drug paraphernalia related to marijuana under specified circumstances..." | Pre-filed by Delegate Cheryl Glenn (D) on Nov. 5, 2011; First reading in the Health and Government Operations & Judiciary Committee (Jan. 15, 2012) |
| 8. Massachusetts | Summary | History (last action date) |
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House Bill: HB 625
(100 KB) |
"The Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Act. It is the purpose of this act to protect patients with debilitating medical conditions, as well as their practitioners and designated caregivers, from arrest and prosecution, criminal and other penalties, and property forfeiture if such patients engage in the medical use of marijuana." |
Introduced by Rep. Frank I. Smizik (D) on Jan. 14, 2011; Referred to
Joint Committee on Public Health on Jan. 24, 2011; Hearing held
(July 12, 2011)
The bill is still active because Massachusetts has a two-year legislative session, which re-started on Jan. 3, 2012. |
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Senate Bill: SB 1161
(275 KB) |
"'The Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Act.' It is the purpose of this act to protect patients with debilitating medical conditions, as well as their practitioners and designated caregivers, from arrest and prosecution, criminal and other penalties, and property forfeiture if such patients engage in the medical use of marijuana." |
Introduced by Sen. Stanley Rosenberg (D) on Jan. 20, 2011; Referred to
the Joint Committee on Public Health on Jan. 24, 2011; Hearing held
(July 12, 2011) The bill is still active because Massachusetts has a two-year legislative session, which re-started on Jan. 3, 2012. |
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Senate Bill: SB 818
(110 KB) |
"An Act relative to the arrest and prosecution for the possession of
marihuana for medical purposes... It shall be a prima facie defense to a charge of possession, manufacturing or trafficking of marihuana under this section if the defendant is a patient, caregiver or physician... Police officers shall have the right to exercise judgment in determining whether or not to arrest an individual..." |
Introduced by Sen. Thomas McGee (D) on Jan. 21, 2011; Referred to Joint
Committee on the Judiciary (Jan. 24, 2011) The bill is still active because Massachusetts has a two-year legislative session, which re-started on Jan. 3, 2012. |
| 9. Mississippi | Summary | History (last action date) |
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Senate Bill: SB 2252 
(175 KB) |
"An act to authorize the medical use of marihuana by seriously ill patients under a physician's supervision;... To provide and exemption from criminal and civil penalties for the medical use of marihuana;...to provide a legal defense for patients and primary caregivers..." | Introduced by Sen. Deborah Dawkins (D) and referred to the Judiciary Committee (Jan. 30, 2012) |
| 10. Missouri | Summary | History (last action date) |
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House Bill: HB 1421
(100 KB) |
"Changes the laws regarding the classification of marijuana as a controlled substance and allows its use for medicinal purposes under certain conditions." | Introduced by Minority Whip Rep. Mike Colona (D) and read for the first time on Jan. 19, 2012; Read for the second time (Jan. 23, 2012) |
| 11. New Hampshire | Summary | History (last action date) |
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House Bill: HB 442
(115 KB) |
"The purpose of this act is to protect patients with debilitating medical conditions, as well as their physicians and designated caregivers, from arrest and prosecution, criminal and other penalties, and property forfeiture if such patients engage in the medical use of marijuana." |
lntroduced by Rep. Evalyn Merrick (D) and referred to the Health, Human
Services, and Elderly Affairs Committee on Jan. 6, 2011; Hearing held
and bill received a vote of "ought to pass" (14-3) from the committee on
Mar. 1, 2011; Passed
by House with a vote of 221-96 (Mar. 16, 2011) Introduced to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Mar. 23, 2011; Hearing held with majority report "ought to pass amended" on Apr. 14, 2011; "Laid on table" to delay vote, and would require a 2/3 vote to be brought back for consideration (May 11, 2011) The bill is still active because New Hampshire has a two-year legislative session, which re-started on Jan. 4, 2012. |
| 12. New York | Summary | History (last action date) |
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Senate Bill: S2774
(150 KB) |
"Legalizes the possession, manufacture, use, delivery, transfer, transport or administration of marihuana by a certified patient or designated caregiver for a certified medical use;... directs the department of health to monitor such use and promulgate rules and regulations for registry identification cards." Sets possession limit of 2.5 ounces. |
Introduced by Senate Health Committee Chair Tom Duane (D) and referred
to Health Committee on Feb. 1, 2011; Re-referred to Health Committee
(Jan. 4, 2012)
The bill carried over to 2012 because New York has a two-year legislative session, which reconvened on Jan. 4, 2012. |
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Assembly Bill: A7347
(30 KB) |
"Legalizes the possession, manufacture, use, delivery, transfer, transport or administration of marihuana by a certified patient or designated caregiver for a certified medical use;... directs the department of health to monitor such use and promulgate rules and regulations for registry identification cards." Sets possession limit of 2.5 ounces. |
Introduced by Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard Gottfried (D) on
May 2, 2011; Referred to Codes Committee on May 24, 2011; Referred to
Ways and Means Committee on June 13, 2011; Referred to Rules Committee
on June 15, 2011; Referred to Health Commttee (Jan. 4, 2012) The bill carried over to 2012 because New York has a two-year legislative session, which reconvened on Jan. 4, 2012. |
| 13. Ohio | Summary | History (last action date) |
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House Bill: HB 214
(250 KB) |
"There is a presumption that a registered qualifying patient or visiting qualifying patient is engaged in the medical use of cannabis if the patient is in possession of a valid registry identification card or valid visiting qualifying patient identification card." |
Introduced by Rep. Kenny Yuko (D) and Rep. Robert Hagan (D) and assigned
to the Health & Aging committee (Apr. 26, 2011)
The bill carried over to 2012 because Ohio has a two-year legislative session, which reconvened on Jan. 3, 2012. |
| 14. Oklahoma | Summary | History (last action date) |
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Senate Bill: SB 573
(20 KB) |
The Compassionate Use Act of 2011 removes Oklahoma’s criminal penalties for a patient who "possesses or cultivates marijuana for the personal medical purposes of the patient upon the written or oral recommendation or approval of a physician." |
Introduced by Sen. Constance Johnson (D); First reading held Feb. 7,
2011; Second Reading and referral to Health and Human Services committee
(Feb. 8, 2011) The bill remains active in 2012 because it carries over when the legislature reconvenes on Feb. 6, 2012. |
| 15. Pennsylvania | Summary | History (last action date) |
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Senate Bill: SB 1003
(75 KB) |
The Governor Raymond Shafer Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act provides "for the medical use of marijuana; and repealing provisions of law that prohibit and penalize marijuana use." |
Introduced by Sen. Daylin Leach (D) and referred to the Public Health
and Welfare committee (Apr. 25, 2011)
The bill carried over to the 2012 legislative session, which began on Jan. 3, 2012. |
|
House Bill: HB 1653
(85 KB) |
The Governor Raymond Shafer Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act provides "for the medical use of marijuana; and repealing provisions of law that prohibit and penalize marijuana use." |
Introduced by Rep. Mark Cohen (D) and referred to the House Health
Committee on June 13, 2011; Referred to Human Services Committee
(June 23, 2011) The bill carried over to the 2012 legislative session, which began on Jan. 3, 2012. |
| 16. West Virginia | Summary | History (last action date) |
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House Bill: HB 3251
(100 KB) |
"A qualifying patient shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution or
penalty in any manner, or denied any right or privilege... for the
medical use of marijuana, provided that the patient possesses a registry
identification card and no more than six marijuana plants and one ounce
of usable marijuana." Also allows for affirmative defense, immunity for registered primary caregivers, protection for physicians, and the creation of compassion centers. |
Introduced by Rep. Mike Manypenny (D) and referred to House Judiciary
committee (Feb. 21, 2011) The bill is active in 2012 because it carried over when the second half of the two-year legislative session began on Jan. 11, 2012. |
| 17. Wisconsin | Summary | History (last action date) |
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House Bill: HB 371
(120 KB) |
"This bill establishes a medical necessity defense to marijuana-related
prosecutions and forfeiture actions...
A qualifying patient may invoke this defense if he or she acquires, possesses, cultivates, transports, or uses marijuana to alleviate the symptoms or effects of his or her debilitating medical condition or treatment, but only if no more than the maximum authorized amount of marijuana (12 marijuana plants and three ounces of marijuana leaves or flowers) is involved... The bill also prohibits the arrest or prosecution of a qualifying patient who... possesses a valid registry identification card, a valid out-of-state registry identification card, or a written certification... In addition, the bill prohibits the arrest or prosecution of or the imposition of any penalty on a physician who provides a written certification to a person in good faith." |
Introduced by Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D) and Sen. Lena Taylor (D), read for the first time, and referred to Committee on Health (Jan. 9, 2012) |
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States with pending legislation that is favorable towards medical marijuana but would not legalize its use: |
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| 1. Kentucky | Summary | History (last action date) |
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Senate Bill: SB 129
(35 KB)
[Editor's Note: SB 129 is considered largely symbolic and would not legalize medical marijuana because the bill uses the word "prescribe" and federal law prohibits marijuana from being prescribed.] |
"Amend and create various statutes in KRS Chapter 218A to make marijuana a schedule II drug with the limitation that a person for whom the drug has been prescribed may not possess more than five grams per month of the drug or have under cultivation more than five marijuana plants; create a new section of KRS Chapter 315 to require the Board of Pharmacy to establish a certification program for pharmacies seeking to dispense marijuana; designate this Act as the Gatewood Galbraith Memorial Medical Marijuana Act." | Introduced by Sen. Perry B. Clark (D) and Sen. Kathy W. Stein (D) on Jan. 31, 2012; Assigned to the Judiciary Committee (Feb. 2, 2012) |
| 2. Tennessee | Summary | History (last action date) |
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House Bill: HB 294
(100 KB) [Editor's Note: HB 294 is considered largely symbolic and would not legalize medical marijuana because the bill uses the word "prescribe" and federal law prohibits marijuana from being prescribed.] |
"This bill establishes the safe access program. To enroll in the program, a qualified patient must receive a prescription for medical marijuana from a practitioner, stating that in the practitioner's professional opinion the potential benefits of the medical use of marijuana would likely outweigh the health risks for the qualifying patient. The prescription and safe access program enrollment completed at the participating pharmacy must specify the qualifying patient's debilitating medical condition." | Introduced by Rep. Jeanne Richardson (D) on Feb. 4, 2011; Referred to Health & Human Resources Committee (Feb. 9, 2011) |
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Senate Bill: SB 251
(100 KB) [Editor's Note: SB 251 is considered largely symbolic and would not legalize medical marijuana because the bill uses the word "prescribe" and federal law prohibits marijuana from being prescribed.] |
"This bill establishes the safe access program. To enroll in the program, a qualified patient must receive a prescription for medical marijuana from a practitioner, stating that in the practitioner's professional opinion the potential benefits of the medical use of marijuana would likely outweigh the health risks for the qualifying patient. The prescription and safe access program enrollment completed at the participating pharmacy must specify the qualifying patient's debilitating medical condition." | Introduced by Sen. Beverly Marrero (D) on Jan. 27, 2011; Referred to Government Operations Committee (Feb. 9, 2011) |
