PO Box 2343
Annapolis, MD 21404-2343

1-800-MLP-1776

www.md.lp.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Beth Newman 301-588-3704

22 Feb 2001

MARYLAND LIBERTARIANS ENDORSE MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILLS

The Libertarian Party of Maryland officially endorses Maryland House Bill 940 and Senate Bill 705, approving the medical use of marijuana. State representatives sponsoring the bill clearly recognize that marijuana is an important medical aid for many ailing people, particularly those suffering from cancer and AIDS.

The health-stabilizing effects of marijuana have long been recognized by scientists and citizens alike, but the effort to decriminalize its use have until now been thwarted by the ill-conceived and ill-executed War on Drugs.

This issue is clear-cut, particularly for those who need to combat nausea, which makes it hard to keep medicine down and nutrient levels up. Their lives depend on marijuana, the most effective and sometimes only means of eliminating their nausea. Maryland Delegates and Senators are finally proving that at least some people in government care more about helping sick people than they do about waging a failing War on Drugs.

Libertarians also recognize that public safety will benefit from this legislation. With fewer resources being spent on apprehending non-violent marijuana users, Marylanders should expect their families to get greater protection from truly threatening criminals. Nation-wide, police arrested more people in 1999 on marijuana charges than for all violent crimes combined, according to FBI figures -- a policy that endangers public safety by diverting police resources. According to the FBI Uniform Crime Report, police arrested more people for non-violent marijuana offenses in 1999 than for murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault -- combined. Of those arrested for marijuana offenses, 88% were charged with mere possession. Approximately 60,000 Americans are languishing in prison today on marijuana charges, according to the Marijuana Policy Project.

"Public opinion has finally caught up with what Libertarians have always known: peaceful, law-abiding people who are no threat to others have every right to do with their body what they wish. That includes using marijuana," said Steve Boone, Chair of the Libertarian Party of Maryland.

The Libertarian Party of Maryland is the third largest political party in Maryland. We are dedicated to the reduction of government interference in individual liberty. We hold that all individuals have the right to exercise sole dominion over their own lives, and have the right to live in whatever manner they choose, so long as they do not forcibly interfere with the equal right of others to live in whatever manner they choose.