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Defense For Medical Marijuana Clears Legislature

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- A new defense for Maryland residents who use marijuana for medical reasons has cleared the Maryland General Assembly.

The Senate gave final approval to the bill Monday night on a 39-5 vote.

The bill would enable Marylanders to avoid a $100 fine and misdemeanor conviction if they are arrested with marijuana but have a doctor's permission to use the drug for medicinal purposes.

The measure also calls for a study on how medical marijuana could be distributed in the future in Maryland.

Gov. Martin O'Malley says he'll sign the bill.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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