Senate Passes Bill To Create Medical Marijuana User Identification Cards

The Senate yesterday voted 23-11 to approve a bill (SB 420) that would give the state's medical marijuana users identity cards intended to prevent state and local police from arresting them, the AP/Contra Costa Times reports. The bill would direct the Department of Health Services to develop the program and would require county health departments to certify applicants' eligibility for the IDs. Sen. John Vasconcellos (D-Santa Clara), the bill's sponsor, said the cards would help clarify who is allowed to use medical marijuana under Proposition 215, which voters approved in 1996. Proposition 215 allows Californians to use and cultivate marijuana for medical reasons if it is recommended by a physician; federal law prohibits the cultivation, possession and use of marijuana. The bill now goes to the Assembly (AP/Contra Costa Times, 6/3).