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Medical Marijuana Debate Hits San Diego Appeals Court

Attorneys from two California counties say the state's medical marijuana law conflicts with federal statutes and should be overturned.

Attorneys from two California counties say the state's medical marijuana law conflicts with federal statutes and should be overturned.

Appearing at a hearing Tuesday in San Diego, attorneys for San Diego and San Bernardino counties squared off with lawyers representing the American Civil Liberties Union, state attorney general's office and medical marijuana patients.

Supporters say marijuana helps chronically ill patients relieve pain. But critics say the drug has no medical benefit and all use should be illegal.

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San Diego supervisors sued to overturn Proposition 215, but a Superior Court judge ruled against them in December 2006. The county appealed last year.

The three-judge panel at the Fourth District Court of Appeal that heard arguments Tuesday is expected to rule within 90 days.