Barny Frank Bill to Protect Medical Marijuana

Frank Sponsors Bill to Protect Medical Marijuana

by MepReport
- Frank Sponsors Bill to Protect Medical Marijuana
Mon Jun 15, 2009 at 03:12:52 PM

Civil-libertarian and long-time legislator, Barney Frank, is about to take the medical marijuana debate to the floor of the US Congress. Funny thing is, he may have himself a fighting chance this time around.

* MepReport's diary :: ::
*http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/6/15/742847/-Frank-Sponsors-Bill-to-Protect-Medical-Marijuana

HR 2835, known as the Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act, would do a couple very common-sensical things. Firstly, it would alter the schedules set forth by the Controlled Substances Act by moving pot from a Schedule I drug (evil with no redeeming properties) to Schedule II (evil but with potential medical applications). Furthermore, it would prohibit the federal government from interfering with states that approve medical marijuana programs.

Hardly his first foray into drug law legislation, last year, Frank sponsored the "Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults Act," which would have legalized possession of up to 100 grams of weed (if it hadn’t been buried in subcommittee and scattered to the winds). So, what makes the new bill any more promising?

We know that there is widespread and unprecedented support for saner marijuana law. We know that our administration has expressed interest in protecting state sovereignty from federal encroachment in matters of weed. We know that supporters of progressive drug policy range across the entire conceivable political spectrum. And, since this isn’t Frank’s first time riding the weed regulation rodeo, we know that he has given this bill every chance to succeed. The wording of the bill is very middle-of-the-road and doesn’t smack of any controversy. To oppose it, a rival congressman would have to start spouting quotes from his Reefer Madness Propaganda handbook. And that is becoming a less popular play all the time.

Ever the self-depricator, Representative Frank once said:



I’m used to being in the minority. I’m a left-handed, gay, Jew.

Over the life and career of this prolific legislator, the political landscape has changed so dramatically that on the weed issue, Barney Frank is finally in the majority.

 

Criminal Justice - Change.org: National Vote on Legalization of Cannabis

needs 5000 signatures before July!

it explains itself

here's another link to petition the government pertaining to this bill

Act Now to Protect Medical Cannabis Patients:
Act Now to Protect Medical Cannabis Patients:
Tell Your U.S. Representative to Support HR 2835!

Dear ASA Supporter,

On June 11, Representative Barney Frank (D-MA) and a small bi-partisan coalition of Members of Congress re-introduced HR 2835, the Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act. The legislation will help protect individuals who use or provide medical cannabis in accordance with their state law.

Visit http://www.AmericansforSafeAccess.or...tProtectionAct to take action now!

If passed, this important legislation would, among other things, reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I to Schedule II drug according the Controlled Substances Act and provide clearer protections for qualified patients, their caregivers, and safe-access sites authorized by state or local law. Take action now to protect patients and their providers. Although similar versions of the bill have been introduced in previous Congressional terms, the Obama Administration's willingness to change federal policy on medical marijuana has created a new political context and may facilitate passage of this important legislation.

Currently the bill has only a dozen co-sponsors, which means there is plenty of work to be done!

Visit http://www.AmericansforSafeAccess.or...tProtectionAct to send an e-mail to your Member of Congress now. It's important to urge all U.S. Representatives to support the Patient Protection Act!

Thanks you for supporting ASA and our efforts to secure safe access for medical cannabis patients. Please forward this message to friends, co-workers, and family members to encourage them to join you in this nationwide movement to protect safe access!

Sincerely,

Caren Woodson
Director of Government Affairs
Americans for Safe Access

P.S. The only way we can continue to work on legislation like the Patient Protection Act is with your continued support. Become a member of ASA today!