Montel Williams pushes medical marijuana bill

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Former talk show host Montel Williams has urged state lawmakers to legalize medical marijuana in Maryland, saying it has a role helping those with painful ailments such as his own.

The Baltimore native spoke Monday at a news conference with Maryland lawmakers who support legalized medical marijuana.

Williams, 54, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1990. He said he had been living with pain in his lower extremities, face and side for years and added that marijuana provided the only relief he could find.

"Marijuana may not work for everyone, but what it has done for me is given me my life back," Williams told the Frederick News-Post.

When questioned by The Associated Press, he declined to comment on how he obtains the drug.

The Maryland Senate passed a bill last year to allow physician-approved use of marijuana.

The House didn't pass the measure but lawmakers say they'll try again this year.