§ 13-3303. Membership.

   (a) In general. -- The Commission consists of the following 12 members:

   (1) The Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene, or the Secretary's designee; and

   (2) The following 11 members, appointed by the Governor:

      (i) One member of the public who supports the use of marijuana for medical purposes and who is or was a patient who found relief from the use of medical marijuana;

      (ii) One member of the public designated by the Maryland Chapter of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence;

      (iii) Three physicians licensed in the State who specialize in addiction, pain, oncology, neurology, or clinical research;

      (iv) One nurse licensed in the State who has experience in hospice care, nominated by a State research institution or trade association;

      (v) One pharmacist licensed in the State, nominated by a State research institution or trade association;

      (vi) One scientist who has experience in the science of marijuana, nominated by a State research institution;

      (vii) One representative of the Maryland State's Attorneys' Association;

      (viii) One representative of the Maryland Chiefs of Police; and

      (ix) An attorney who is knowledgeable about medical marijuana laws in the United States.

(b) Term. --

   (1) The term of a member is 4 years.

   (2) The terms of the members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members on October 1, 2013.

   (3) At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

   (4) A member may not serve more than three consecutive full terms.

   (5) A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

(c) Chair. -- The Governor shall designate the chair from among the members of the Commission.

(d) Quorum. -- A majority of the full authorized membership of the Commission is a quorum.

(e) Compensation; reimbursement for expenses. -- A member of the Commission:

   (1) May not receive compensation as a member of the Commission; but

   (2) Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

(f) Staff. -- The Commission may employ a staff, including contractual staff, in accordance with the State budget.

(g) Natalie M. LaPrade Medical Marijuana Commission Fund. --

   (1) There is a Natalie M. LaPrade Medical Marijuana Commission Fund.

   (2) The Commission shall administer the Fund.

   (3) The Fund is a special continuing, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7-302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.

   (4) The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.

   (5) The Fund shall be invested and reinvested in the same manner as other State funds, and any investment earnings shall be retained to the credit of the Fund.

   (6) The Fund shall be subject to an audit by the Office of Legislative Audits as provided for in § 2-1220 of the State Government Article.

   (7) The Comptroller shall pay out money from the Fund as directed by the Commission.

   (8) The Fund consists of:

      (i) Any money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;

      (ii) Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund, in accordance with any conditions adopted by the Commission for the acceptance of donations or gifts to the Fund.

   (9) No part of the Fund may revert or be credited to:

      (i) The General Fund of the State; or

      (ii) Any other special fund of the State.

   (10) Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.

HISTORY: 2013, ch. 403.