Number of States Permitting Medical Marijuana Expected to Grow in 2010

Number of States Permitting Medical Marijuana Expected to Grow in Coming Months

While Colorado has been the focus of nationwide attention in medical marijuana debate, two more states and the District of Columbia may soon join us.

With all the attention that is paid to Colorado for its medical marijuana laws, the debate over MM and how it should be regulated can often seem like a local issue. While Colorado is at the forefront of the medical marijuana debate, it is hardly the only participant. Since California legalized medical marijuana in 1996, twelve other states have followed suit. The success of these states has inspired activists elsewhere to take up the cause. Currently, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, as well as the District of Columbia, are considering legislation that would make medical marijuana legal for patients with certain critical or chronic conditions.

Here's a look at pending legislation:

NEW JERSEY - The State Senate has passed a bill legalizing medical marijuana and has sent it to the State Assembly, NJ's lower house, for consideration. While its fate there is far from certain, most pundits predict it will pass. Governor John Corzine, who was defeated in his re-election campaign, has pledged to sign the bill if it arrives on his desk before he leaves office in January. The new Governor-elect, Republican Chris Christie, has stated he supports the legalization of medical marijuana but is uncertain whether he will sign the current bill if it reaches the desk during his tenure.

PENNSYLVANIA - The House Health and Human Services Committee is currently considering HB 1393 which, if passed, will legalize medical marijuana throughout the state. The bill's author, Rep. Mark Cohen, has gained widespread public support for the bill. Local leaders of the Jewish community, including several prominent Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox rabbis, have also voiced their support. While the bill is still in the earliest stages of consideration, advocates remain optimistic.

WASHINGTON, DC - Though an initiative to legalized medical marijuana was overwhelmingly passed by DC voters in 1998, the U.S. Congress - which has oversight of the District - has banned the initiative from taking effect. This year, however, for the first time since 1998, Congress' omnibus spending bill will not include the Barr Amendment, the rider that effectively forbids the District from implementing the voter-approved measure. Passage of the omnibus spending bill stripped of the Barr Amendment now seems imminent, and District of Columbia officials are considering how to implement the law.