This Law Firm Publication by Jackson Lewis LLP discusses the new Massachusetts law legalizing the medical use of marijuana. Massachusetts is the 18th US state to pass such a law. The new law applies to patients suffering from debilitating medical conditions such as cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or other conditions determined by a physician. The new law, which is effective January 1, 2013, eliminates criminal penalties for patients, physicians and marijuana dispensaries. It does not, however, require employers to accommodate on-site use of medical marijuana or authorize operation of motor vehicles under the influence of marijuana.