Drug War Issues
Politics & Advocacy
In a press release last Friday, Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) announced he has introduced a bill that would decriminalize the possession and not-for-profit transfer of small amounts of marijuana. It was the second marijuana bill of the week for Frank, who a couple of days earlier introduced the Medical Marijuana Protection Act.
Barney Frank
"I think John Stuart Mill had it right in the 1850s," said Congressman Frank, "when he argued that individuals should have the right to do what they want in private, so long as they don't hurt anyone else. It's a matter of personal liberty. Moreover, our courts are already stressed and our prisons are overcrowded. We don't need to spend our scarce resources prosecuting people who are doing no harm to others."
"Congressman Frank's bill represents a major step toward sanity in federal marijuana policy," said Marijuana Policy Project director of government relations Aaron Houston. "The decades-long federal war on marijuana protects no one and in fact has ruined countless lives. Most Americans do not believe that simple possession of a small amount of marijuana should be a criminal matter, and it's time Congress listened to the voters."
As of the middle of this week, the bill had five cosponsors: Reps. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), Ron Paul (R-TX), Jared Polis (D-CO), and Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA). The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Committee. No word yet on any hearings.
Ten states have already decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana. Those states are California, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, and Oregon. In an eleventh, Alaska, the possession of up to an ounce in one's home is not just decriminalized, it's legal.
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Comments
BARNEY FRANKS SHOULD HEAR FROM MILLIONS....
Pot smokers need to really show this politician that we are on his side, and back his efforts. This is some of the most hopeful news I have read in a long time, because now is when we should be getting some federal changes in the draconian pot laws. Obama would not be in the White House if the unfair drug laws had been applied to him, and he owes as much respect to others. Especially african-americans, who here in Chicago are searched so much more that they get busted more than the whites, who are the primary users.
Only prejudice and pseudo-science stops weed from being legalized; the ancient enemies of liberty in whatever form they take.
In reply to BARNEY FRANKS SHOULD HEAR FROM MILLIONS.... by John Scott Ridgway (not verified)
Very promising news. Im a 28
Very promising news. Im a 28 yr old business owner who fell under the rediculous marijuana laws in the state of alabama. I was arrested and humiliated in the local paper for 1/2 of a joint in my ashtray. So far its cost me over 1000 in attorneys fees and at least a 2,000 fine. This is completely rediculous.
In reply to BARNEY FRANKS SHOULD HEAR FROM MILLIONS.... by John Scott Ridgway (not verified)
Marijuana Bill
It's about time someone in politics realize that there is a need for medical marijuana.
Legalizing marijuana in American would keep the Mexican Cartel from sending all those illegal immigrants into the US.
Americans are consuming a product that has to be smuggled into the country.That is what is driving the violence in Mexico.
America can grow its own weed,seal. off our borders,keep Mexicans in Mexico !
We can go to Afghanistan and fight a civil war in their country,killing them seems not be a problem why not shoot the illegal immigrants crossing our own borders !
Legalize Cannabis in California
If you live in California and support legalizing, taxing, and regulating marijuana, YOU can do something about it. Tell your state legislators to support Assembly Bill 390. It's easy. Visit yes390.org
"Ten states have already
"Ten states have already decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana. Those states are California, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, and Oregon. In an eleventh, Alaska, the possession of up to an ounce in one's home is not just decriminalized, it's legal."
I thought there were like thirteen. what about Massachussets?
In reply to "Ten states have already by TrebleBass (not verified)
Don't forget Massachusetts
Massachusetts decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marihuana last year. (And I spelled it with an "h" on purpose. ;0) )
BiPartisan Support
It is good to see that Frank got two Republicans on board. It will reduce the resistance.
Of course as long as suppliers are still criminal obscene profits will remain and the war will continue. During alcohol prohibition consumption was legal supply was not. How did that work out?
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