Members of Congress to Introduce Historic Legislation Ending Marijuana Prohibition

Jacob Bell

New Member
WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) and Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) will introduce bi-partisan legislation tomorrow, June 23, ending the federal war on marijuana and letting states legalize, regulate, tax, and control marijuana without federal interference. Other co-sponsors include Rep. John Conyers (D-MI), Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN), Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO), and Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA). The legislation would limit the federal government's role in marijuana enforcement to cross-border or inter-state smuggling, allowing people to legally grow, use or sell marijuana in states where it is legal. The legislation is the first bill ever introduced in Congress to end federal marijuana prohibition.

Leading critics of the war on marijuana will explain its significance for state and national marijuana policy at a national tele-press conference on Thursday.

What: Tele-Press Conference on the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011

When:Thursday, June 23. 2:00pm EST / 11am PST

Call-in Info: 1-800-311-9404; Passcode: Marijuana

Who:

· Representative Barney Frank (D-4th/MA)

· Rob Kampia, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP)

· Aaron Houston, executive director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP)

· Allen St. Pierre, executive director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML)

· Bill Piper, director of national affairs for the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA)

Last week marked the 40th Anniversary of President Nixon declaring a war on marijuana and other drugs. In an oped in the New York Times last week, timed for the 40th Anniversary, former President Jimmy Carter called for reforming marijuana laws.

The legislation also comes on the heels of the Global Commission on Drug Policy, which released a report on June 2 calling for a major paradigm shift in how our society deals with drugs, including calling for legal regulation of marijuana. The report sent a jolt around the world, generating thousands of international media stories. The commission is comprised of international dignitaries including Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations; Richard Branson, entrepreneur, founder of the Virgin Group; and the former Presidents of Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Switzerland. Representing the U.S. on the commission are George P. Shultz, Paul Volcker, and John Whitehead.

46.5% of Californians voted last year to legalize marijuana in their state, and voters in Colorado, Washington and possibly other states are expected to vote on the issue next year. In the past year at least five state legislatures have considered legalizing marijuana, including California, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Washington. 16 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for medical use, but the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) continues to arrest people under federal law and U.S. Attorneys have in recent months sent threatening letters to state policymakers in an apparent attempt to meddle in state decision-making.

Rep. Frank's legislation would end state/federal conflicts over marijuana policy, reprioritize federal resources, and provide more room for states to do what is best for their own citizens.


News Hawk- Jacob Ebel 420 MAGAZINE
Source: stopthedrugwar.org
Author: David Guard
Contact: Contact Us
Copyright: StoptheDrugWar.org
Website: Members of Congress to Introduce Historic Legislation Ending Marijuana Prohibition
 
Re: Members of Congress to Introduce Historic Legislation Ending Marijuana Prohibitio

:goodluck::goodluck: Congress is all talk which gets little done. Almost every initiative that Cong. Frank has backed or authored has failed to pass. Sadly he is considered a standing joke :laughtwo::laugh: in the conservative states and amongst some of his own party who have to watch who and what they vote in favor with. :bravo::bravo: I hope it passes but really what are the chances :goodluck::peace::peace: . RD
 
Re: Members of Congress to Introduce Historic Legislation Ending Marijuana Prohibitio

G'Day,
Yay my first post.
It's good to see your congress is at least open to debate about MJ laws. When theres talk eventually there is change. I live in Western Australia (the nanny state of Australia) and even to get our Parliment to talk about MJ laws would be impossible now. Just 5 years ago you could grow 2 plants (non hyro) for personal use and not be classed as a criminal, if caught you would face a fine, like if you were speeding in a car. Last week they banned the legal weed stuff (not sure if i'm allowed to use the brand names here), if found with it you could recieve a maximum of $10,000 fine and/or 3 year jail term (dickheads). Not bad considering were the last state to lower the drink driving level from .08 to .05.
Just a bit of food for thought.
FCL
 
Re: Members of Congress to Introduce Historic Legislation Ending Marijuana Prohibitio

G'Day,
Yay my first post.
It's good to see your congress is at least open to debate about MJ laws. When theres talk eventually there is change. I live in Western Australia (the nanny state of Australia) and even to get our Parliment to talk about MJ laws would be impossible now. Just 5 years ago you could grow 2 plants (non hyro) for personal use and not be classed as a criminal, if caught you would face a fine, like if you were speeding in a car. Last week they banned the legal weed stuff (not sure if i'm allowed to use the brand names here), if found with it you could recieve a maximum of $10,000 fine and/or 3 year jail term (dickheads). Not bad considering were the last state to lower the drink driving level from .08 to .05.
Just a bit of food for thought.
FCL

That means that you can't even have one beer without being under the influence. :laughtwo::helpsmilie::clown::amen: I sure feel sorry for you. Your marijuana laws are going backward not forward. It's too bad that the "BEAR" Owsley didn't help make the laws in OZ. RD :goodluck::peace:: :welcome::thumb::thumb:
 
Back
Top Bottom