Mr. Putman, a conservative anti-drug Vietnam veteran, suffered from cancer and turned to marijuana reluctantly to boost his appetite and build his strength. He planned to testify in favor of the bill when Mr. Murphy introduced it last year, but he died before the start of the 2000 legislative session. That version of the bill died in a Judiciary Committee vote. Mr. Brinkley, a cancer survivor, is one of 28 cosponsors for the bill. Both Mr. Murphy and Mr. Brinkley said the maneuver could pose political challenges for delegates.
Some delegates believe the bill runs counter to the war on drugs.
Many protect the committee system, and would be loath to see unusual measures taken to circumvent a chairman's authority. But several lawmakers have seen their bills stuck in a committee because a chairman dislikes it. That's a power that should rest solely with the governor, Mr. Murphy said. The governor is elected by all Marylanders. Committee chairmen aren't, he said.