Sixteen states (plus Washington, DC) currently have medical-marijuana laws. They are California (1996); Alaska, Oregon, Washington (all 1998); Maine (1999); Hawaii, Colorado (2000); Nevada (2001); Montana (2004); Vermont (2005); Rhode Island (2006); New Mexico (2007); Michigan (2008); Washington, DC (1998/2009); New Jersey, Arizona (2010); Delaware (2011). Which state will become the 17th to allow patients to smoke pot?

Legislation Passed:

Delaware
The Senate passed SB 17, 18-3, on Mar. 31. The House passed the bill 24-17 on May 5. The Senate passed a revised version of SB 17 on May 11. It allows for the creation of three dispensaries, but not for home cultivation. Patients can possess up to six ounces per month. Gov. Jack Markell signed the bill on May 13.

Maryland
The House passed HB 291, 105-29, on Mar. 28. The Senate passed SB 308, 35-12, on Apr. 9. Gov. Martin O'Malley signed the bill on May 11. It protects patients from being fined or prosecuted.

Ongoing Legislation:

Alabama
HB 386 allows patients to purchase medocal cannabis from "compassion center." It was referred to the Health Committee.

Connecticut
There are multiple bills in the legislature. Gov. Malloy's bill, SB 1030, allows patients and caregivers to grow four plants and possess one ounce.

Idaho
HB 19 was referred to the Health and Welfare Committee.

Illinois
The Senate passed SB-1381, 30-28, on May 27, 2010, allowing patients and caregivers to grow six plants and possess two ounces. The House voted against the bill 60-53-1 on Nov. 30. The House passed HB 0020 on Apr. 27, 2011. It make allows patients and caregivers to purchase medical cannabis at non-profit dispensaries.

Massachusetts
HB 625 and SB 1161 were referred to the respective Joint Committees on Public Health.

New Hampshire
The Senate passed HB 648, 14-10, on Apr. 29, 2009, allowing patients and caregivers to grow six plants and possess two ounces. The House voted 234-138 in favor on Mar. 25. The legislature passed an amended bill on June 24, allowing for three compassion centers rather than personal cultivation. Gov. John Lynch vetoed the bill on July 10.  The House passed HB 442, 221-96, on Mar. 16. 2011, allowing possession of two ounces. The Senate tabled a vote on the bill on May 11.

New York
SB 2774 was referred to the Health Commitee.

North Carolina
SB 577 was referred to the Rules, Calendar and Operations Committee.

Pennsylvania
SB 1003 was referred to the Health and Welfare Committee.

Also see:
State-by-State Medical Marijuana Laws
The Battle for Medical Marijuana
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