HR 5843 Contact Your Reps NOW! Congressman introduces bill

[NFloyd2357]

Just got a letter from mine:

Dear Mr. ___________:

Thank you for contacting me about the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. I appreciate hearing from you on this issue and welcome the opportunity to correspond with you.

The federal government regulates substances it considers to be harmful or abusable based on the Controlled Substances Act passed in 1970. Under this statute, marijuana use is illicit, even when used for treating medical conditions. In spite of this law, 12 states have passed laws allowing the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. In 2005, Rhode Island became the 11th state to pass and implement such a law. On June 6, 2005, the Supreme Court ruled that patients that use or grow marijuana for medical reasons could face federal charges, even if state legislation allows such activities.

To address the disparities between federal and state law, during consideration of the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2008, Congressman Hinchey offered an amendment to prohibit federal funds from being used to override state medical marijuana laws. Rhode Island patients using medical marijuana in compliance with the 2005 state law currently run the risk of being arrested and prosecuted for federal drug offenses - and this troubles me greatly. For this reason, I supported the Hinchey amendment, which ultimately failed by a vote of 165-262. As we move forward with these policy discussions, we must bear in mind that marijuana is a narcotic and therapeutic usage must be carefully controlled. However, I do not want my constituents, or those of the eleven other states that have passed similar laws, to live in fear of arrest when they are complying with state law.

My vote for the Hinchey amendment should not be interpreted as an unconditional endorsement of medical marijuana. I do believe the therapy deserves further clinical trials and scientific scrutiny. For this reason, I joined several of my colleagues in sending a letter to DEA Administrator Karen Tandy urging her to accept a Judge's ruling to approve a license for a privately-funded, FDA-approved research application at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst that would further explore the medical value of marijuana.

Please know that I have great compassion for those dealing with chronic or debilitating illnesses, and I will continue to support increased access to prescription drugs and funding for medical research. Thank you again for contacting me, and feel free to contact me about issues that concern you as the legislative session continues.


Sincerely,


Jim Langevin
Member of Congress

[Revolution]

Any news on how this bill is doing?

[skatealex2]

Originally Posted by Revolution

Any news on how this bill is doing?

Haven't heard of anyone backing the bill so probably not good. I fucking hate the government.

[Sweet Leaf`]

they are probably waiting for the new president because Bush will veto the bill.
here's an easy way to track it, it was posted before
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-5843

[TwoLOUD]

Look forward to seeing/hearing more info on this for sure!!

[chadw]

I put 2 useful links in my sig.

[yummybuds]

Just saw this today on cnn.com

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/...ana/index.html

[ssnataku]

Originally Posted by yummybuds

Just saw this today on cnn.com

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/...ana/index.html

Very nice find!!!! It has a nice video with it too showing the proposal that he made!!! It would be so nice if this were passed.. I can only imagine!!!

[purplesmoker]

Originally Posted by skapunker1337

I hate to be a cynic, hell, I'm also sending out emails (my rep is already supporting it, Maurice Hinchey) but lets be realistic.

Congress might pass it, marking a real turn-around in our nation, but what on Ganja's Green Earth convinces you Czar Bush will sign it into law! I mean, anythings possible, but if he vetos it, unless Congress is really committed, we are back to square one.

It isn't smart doing it this year, let a democrat get into office and they will sign it into law.

However, that doesn't mean it isn't important. We have to get this out there and educate the public of this historic legislation. We need to make marijuana a state issue, not a federal, and once we do that we are closer to legalization.

i dont know if it's been said yet, but george bush wont be the president that would have to sign the bill at all, it will be the next president, and also this congress wont be discussing the bill on the floor, it will be the next elected congress.

[Deutschbag]

Originally Posted by Sweet Leaf`

they are probably waiting for the new president because Bush will veto the bill.
here's an easy way to track it, it was posted before
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-5843

What makes you think Obama won't?

[Artemis]

just emailed my local representative

[Sweet Leaf`]

Originally Posted by Deutschbag

What makes you think Obama won't?

at least obama has spoken about decriminalization while Bush hasn't
i know there is a slim chance but better to have some hope then none.. right?

[pjanowski69]

So does anybody know whats going on with this bill? I've been tracking, but no updates. Oh and I E-Mailed my representative like a week ago, and no response.

[Mosquito]

We can only hope Obama can stop saying "Change" for 5 seconds so he can get his shit together and sign the bill. And it is true he has talked about decriminalization of marijuana, but the fact that he'll stick to his word is still in the air, and god knows how long it's going to be for enough people to get on board with it. It truly is everyone's concern to talk to their local rep and get a move active front moving.