Souder Statement on New Medical Marijuana Policy

[Weedpipe]

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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