NORML Partners with Rep. Barney Frank (D, MA) to Introduce Federal Decriminalization Legislation!

March 24th, 2008 By: Keith Stroup, NORML Legal Director

For the first time in nearly 25 years, NORML [National Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws] is spearheading a campaign in Congress to end the federal prohibition of marijuana. Congress created cannabis prohibition, and the courts say time and again to reformers: ‘Congress is the place to change marijuana laws.’

Therefore, NORML has teamed up with Democratic Congressman Barney Frank of Massachusetts to draft legislation that would strip the federal government of its authority to arrest responsible cannabis consumers.

Yes indeed, for the first time in more than two decades, we will shortly have legislation in Congress that, if enacted, would end the federal prosecution of adult marijuana consumers! Based on the recommendations of the 1972 National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse (also known as the Shafer Commission), this proposal would eliminate all federal penalties prohibiting the personal use and possession of up to 100 grams (3 ½ ounces) of marijuana. Under our measure, adults who consume cannabis would no longer face arrest, prison, or even the threat of a civil fine. In addition, this bill eliminates all penalties prohibiting the not-for-profit transfers of up to one ounce of pot. In short, for the first time since 1937, the possession, use, and non-profit transfer of marijuana for personal use by adults would be legal under federal law!Please check NORML.org and NORML’s blog for more information, as we will continue to bring you the latest news regarding this important legislation.

Via NORML.org (click article title for link)

I find it very interesting that Congress is even considered to have the authority to outlaw the substance, given that they did not have the authority to prohibit alcohol in the 1920s. A Constitutional Amendment (18) was required which, if you recall junior high history class, was repealled with Amendment 21. And of course, both amendments had to be approved by three-fourths of states, as all amendments require.

Furthermore, our own government has studied the plant and its effects, and on multiple occassions found that its use to be relatively harmless, especially when compared to legal drugs such as Alcohol and Tobacco.

Even the DEA's own Francis Young points out the lack of harm caused by the use of the drug:

"In strict medical terms marijuana is far safer than many foods we commonly consume. For example, eating 10 raw potatoes can result in a toxic response. By comparison, it is physically impossible to eat enough marijuana to induce death. Marijuana in its natural form is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man. By any measure of rational analysis marijuana can be safely used within the supervised routine of medical care."

DEA Administrative Law Judge, Francis Young

And the Shafer Commission found that "the constitutionality of marijuana prohibition was suspect, and that the executive and legislative branches had a responsibility to obey the Constitution." Also, "the Commission also recommended that the distinctions between licit and illicit drugs be dropped, finding that "the use of drugs for pleasure or other non-medical purposes is not inherently irresponsible; alcohol is widely used as an acceptable part of social activities" (both quotes from Wikipedia).

So why is it that the Federal government has any authority to outlaw a substance that grows naturally, whether "intoxicating" as Amendment 18 described alcohol, or not?

A vote in agreement is your vote in agreement for the ending of prosecution of adult marijuana users, not necessarily a vote in support of total legalization.

(A small side note: I haven't had a chance to watch the embedded YouTube video, as I don't have speakers on my work computer :) )

NORML Partners with Rep. Barney Frank (D, MA) to Introduce Federal Decriminalization Legislation!

March 24th, 2008 By: Keith Stroup, NORML Legal Director

For the first time in nearly 25 years, NORML [National Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws] is spearheading a campaign in Congress to end the federal prohibition of marijuana. Congress created cannabis prohibition, and the courts say time and again to reformers: ‘Congress is the place to change marijuana laws.’

Therefore, NORML has teamed up with Democratic Congressman Barney Frank of Massachusetts to draft legislation that would strip the federal government of its authority to arrest responsible cannabis consumers.

Yes indeed, for the first time in more than two decades, we will shortly have legislation in Congress that, if enacted, would end the federal prosecution of adult marijuana consumers! Based on the recommendations of the 1972 National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse (also known as the Shafer Commission), this proposal would eliminate all federal penalties prohibiting the personal use and possession of up to 100 grams (3 ½ ounces) of marijuana. Under our measure, adults who consume cannabis would no longer face arrest, prison, or even the threat of a civil fine. In addition, this bill eliminates all penalties prohibiting the not-for-profit transfers of up to one ounce of pot. In short, for the first time since 1937, the possession, use, and non-profit transfer of marijuana for personal use by adults would be legal under federal law!Please check NORML.org and NORML’s blog for more information, as we will continue to bring you the latest news regarding this important legislation.

Via NORML.org (click article title for link)

I find it very interesting that Congress is even considered to have the authority to outlaw the substance, given that they did not have the authority to prohibit alcohol in the 1920s. A Constitutional Amendment (18) was required which, if you recall junior high history class, was repealled with Amendment 21. And of course, both amendments had to be approved by three-fourths of states, as all amendments require.

Furthermore, our own government has studied the plant and its effects, and on multiple occassions found that its use to be relatively harmless, especially when compared to legal drugs such as Alcohol and Tobacco.

Even the DEA's own Francis Young points out the lack of harm caused by the use of the drug:

"In strict medical terms marijuana is far safer than many foods we commonly consume. For example, eating 10 raw potatoes can result in a toxic response. By comparison, it is physically impossible to eat enough marijuana to induce death. Marijuana in its natural form is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man. By any measure of rational analysis marijuana can be safely used within the supervised routine of medical care."

DEA Administrative Law Judge, Francis Young

And the Shafer Commission found that "the constitutionality of marijuana prohibition was suspect, and that the executive and legislative branches had a responsibility to obey the Constitution." Also, "the Commission also recommended that the distinctions between licit and illicit drugs be dropped, finding that "the use of drugs for pleasure or other non-medical purposes is not inherently irresponsible; alcohol is widely used as an acceptable part of social activities" (both quotes from Wikipedia).

So why is it that the Federal government has any authority to outlaw a substance that grows naturally, whether "intoxicating" as Amendment 18 described alcohol, or not?

A vote in agreement is your vote in agreement for the ending of prosecution of adult marijuana users, not necessarily a vote in support of total legalization.

(A small side note: I haven't had a chance to watch the embedded YouTube video, as I don't have speakers on my work computer :) )