U.S. Rep. Mark Souder released the following statement today, after the Justice Department announced that it will ease medical marijuana prosecutions.
"This debate has always been over the legalization of marijuana, not medical use. There are non-smoked variations available for medical use. Smoked marijuana, along with tobacco and alcohol, is the gateway drug for all other drug abuse. Today's hydroponic marijuana has a much higher THC content than the historic ditchweed pot that was once popular in Indiana.
"Furthermore, the Hinchey-Rohrabacher medical marijuana amendment aimed at implementing a similar policy, was defeated with a bipartisan vote in House of Representatives on five different occasions. And, in June 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court (in the case Gonzalez v. Raich, and in a 6-3 decision) upheld Congress' ability to regulate the illegal production and distribution of marijuana.
"The Obama Administration's multiple front retreat from illegal drug enforcement will, over the next few years, result in higher crime rates, more highway deaths and destroyed lives."
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"This debate has always been over the legalization of marijuana, not medical use. There are non-smoked variations available for medical use. Smoked marijuana, along with tobacco and alcohol, is the gateway drug for all other drug abuse. Today's hydroponic marijuana has a much higher THC content than the historic ditchweed pot that was once popular in Indiana.
"Furthermore, the Hinchey-Rohrabacher medical marijuana amendment aimed at implementing a similar policy, was defeated with a bipartisan vote in House of Representatives on five different occasions. And, in June 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court (in the case Gonzalez v. Raich, and in a 6-3 decision) upheld Congress' ability to regulate the illegal production and distribution of marijuana.
"The Obama Administration's multiple front retreat from illegal drug enforcement will, over the next few years, result in higher crime rates, more highway deaths and destroyed lives."
------------------------------------
-Washington Office:
U.S. House of Representatives
2231 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Main: (202) 225-4436
Fax: (202) 225-3479
-Goshen Office:
River Plaza
320 North Chicago Avenue, Suite 9B
Goshen, IN 46528
Main: (574) 533-5802
Fax: (574) 534-2669
Tollfree: 1-800-959-3041
-Winona Lake Office:
The Boathouse, Suite D
700 Park Ave.
Winona Lake, IN 46590
Main: (574) 269-1940
Fax: (574) 269-3112
Tollfree: 1-800-959-3041
-Kendallville Office:
874 North Lima Road
Suite B
Kendallville, IN 46755
Main: (260) 599-0554
Fax: (260) 599-0557
Tollfree: 1-800-959-3041
-Fort Wayne Office:
E. Ross Adair Federal Building, Room 3105
1300 South Harrison Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Main: (260) 424-3041
Fax: (260) 424-4042
Tollfree: 1-800-959-3041
