Congress Ends War on Medical Marijuana

Congress Ends War on Medical MarijuanaEarlier today the US Senate joined the House of Representatives in passing a budget that removes all funding for federal interference in states where medical marijuana is legal. After the President signs it, it will be illegal for the Department of Justice to spend any funds blocking the implementation of state medical cannabis laws.

The Hinchey-Rohrabacher Amendment to the $1.1 trillion cromnibus spending bill blocks the use of Department of Justice funds to “prevent [medical marijuana states] from implementing their own State laws that authorize the use, distribution, possession, or cultivation of medical marijuana.” This means no more Federal spending on investigations, paramilitary-style raids, prosecutions, or incarceration starting as soon as tomorrow Remember the three-year long crackdown on medical marijuana here in California? Well, it looks like it could all be over now.

Congress Ends War on Medical MarijuanaThis however is also the same bill that has a provision from Congress that would prevent federal funds from being used to “enact or carry out any law, rule, or regulation to legalize or otherwise reduce penalties associated with the possession, use, or distribution of any schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.) or any tetrahydrocannabinols derivative.”

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Americans for Safe Access executive director Steph Sherer told the Smell the Truth Blog: “This is truly a long-fought victory for medical marijuana patients who have lived in fear of being caught in the crossfire of conflicting state and federal laws for nearly two decades. But this is also a victory for taxpayers because of the hundreds of millions of dollars saved on unnecessary and harmful enforcement.”

The DOJ measure would remain in effect until September 30, 2015, so advocates are working on stronger protections for patients, including HR 689, the “States’ Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act”, which would reclassify marijuana for medical use, increase therapeutic research, and permanently end the 77 year-long war on medical cannabis.

Congress Ends War on Medical Marijuana“Now that we are in a ‘ceasefire,’ patients are ready to work with Congress on comprehensive medical marijuana legislation,” continued Sherer. “Passage of this measure has shown that Congress is ready to roll up its sleeves on this issue, and we’re ready to work together to bring about broader and more lasting change for the millions of Americans who rely on medical marijuana treatments.”

In a press release the Marijuana Policy Project says: “Congress is officially pulling out of the war on medical marijuana patients and providers. Federal tax dollars will no longer be wasted arresting seriously ill medical marijuana patients and those who provide to them. This is a historic vote, and it’s yet another sign that our federal government is shifting toward a more sensible marijuana policy.

Victory! Do you think this is the beginning of the end of Federal MARIJUANA prohibition?



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