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HR Bill 5326

Lawmakers Propose New Tactic in Fight for Marijuana Reform

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For decades the idea of high profile politicians taking on the issue of marijuana reform was laughable.  Even after the Proposition 215 passed, many lawmakers outside of California would not publicly consider proposing changes to marijuana law.  Currently there are now 16 states, (with Connecticut expected to join the growing list) and the nation’s capital where marijuana is permitted for medical use.

Americans have stated their desire for a compassionate medical system.  We are seeking to move on from medical treatments that rely on addictive pills and unaffordable bills. However, the greatest threat to our new compassionate medical system are the people who work for us.  The Federal government, despite statements from President Barack Obama that the Department of Justice would not be using tax payer resources to circumvent state laws, has tried to dismantle relief one dispensary at a time.  Fortunately, U.S. House of Representatives members Sam Farr (D-Calif.), Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.) and Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.) have proposed outlawing federal funds from being used to interfere with state laws.  The debate is over HR bill 5326, the bill that determines the funding for the Department of Justice.

Most of the reform conversation has revolved around protests and ballot initiatives.  While these have been successful, ballots to change the law have not been able to protect caregivers from federal raids.  It is only recently that our elected officials have decided to push the issue and get more creative.  Many of us are familiar with the popular legalization bill proposed by Barney Frank (D-Mass) and Ron Paul (R-TX).  The bill was met with predictable opposition, but at least kept the issue in the spotlight.  An attempt to defund the DOJ is a new method being utilized by lawmakers and may be a more effective way to frame the discussion.  If deficit spending continues to dominate the campaign coverage then saving money on raiding marijuana dispensaries should match the national financial conversation in step.

Like the ghosts of a haunted past, marijuana reform is rearing its pretty head everywhere.  The president has been taking criticism on marijuana policy seemingly everywhere he goes.  Foreign leaders (Vicente Fox), domestic allies (Nancy Pelosi), presidential candidates (Gary Johnson), comedians( Jimmy Kimmel), evangelicals (Pat Robertson) and of course patients seeking pain relief are all voicing their opinion in support of cannabis reform.  Now that politicians on a national stage are starting to support compassionate reform, hopefully they will use even more creativity in trying to pass legislation that will finally end a century long error.

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