SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Should Sacramento County issue identification cards for medical marijuana patients?

The Board of Supervisors will debate this afternoon whether to implement a state program calling for the issuance of such cards.

Proponents said such cards are long overdue in Sacramento County, but opponents claim the program offers a chance for abuse of pot.

Also at issue is a decision by state voters to permit the use of medical marijuana, which conflicts with federal law that bans it. For that reason, supervisors remain split on the issue.

Terry Lee Allen uses medical marijuana as a topical treatment for arthritis pain in his feet. He does not smoke it, adding that the benefits are unlike any other drug.

But he said each day he carries pot with him, he said he is fearful of being harassed or arrested by police who may not believe he has a doctor's recommendation for the drug. That is why he would like to receive a state ID card.

"It allows me to be free in our society," he said.

Forty of California's 58 counties have implemented the state's ID card system since SB 420 mandated it in 2005. Yolo, Placer and El Dorado counties are part of the program, but Sacramento County is not.

Lanette Davies, a patient advocate, said the law is clear that the cards must be made available. But she said fear on the part of local leaders had led to delays.

"And then you've also got the stigma that our patients are stoners," Davies added. "No, our patients are not stoners. Our patients are looking for relief from pain and suffering."

Davies said her patients are simply interested in using pot as an "alternative medication."

But Sheriff John McGinness said federal law trumps state law, adding that he opposes the ID card program.

The Board of Supervisors is set to take up the issue of medical marijuana cards at 3 p.m. today. The board will meet at 700 H St. Suite 1450 in Sacramento.