[420 Girl]

Washington, D.C. - Recently, legislation was introduced to the House of Representatives that would completely legalize the possession, use, and not-for-profit transfer of marijuana. The bill, known as the “Act to Remove Federal Penalties for Personal Use of Marijuana” or H.R. 5843, was introduced by Representative Barney Frank (D – MA) and is co-sponsored by Representative Ron Paul (R – TX). This bill is the first decriminalization bill introduced in 24 years.

Twelve states already have decriminalization bills in place that eliminate criminal penalties for minor possession charges. According to federal statistics, the relaxed laws have not led to an increase in marijuana use. Rep. Frank says that its time for our federal government to align its ideas with its constituents.

Over 75 percent of American adults are in favor of decriminalization legislation, according to a CNN survey. Rep. Frank says that it's time “for the politicians to catch up with the public on this. The notion that you lock people up for smoking marijuana is pretty silly.”

Pretty silly indeed, considering the cost the taxpayers are covering for little to no improvement. Each marijuana related arrest costs the federal government $10,400 on average. For this cost, a decrease in marijuana use would be expected, but instead marijuana use continues to increase.

Legislators like Barney Frank and Ron Paul are breaking new ground that could take the drug war in the direction it needs to go. Arresting people for marijuana is a misuse of resources, and the money saved could be used to combat real threats to Americans.

The bill would remove any penalties, including civil fines, on adults who consume marijuana responsibly. It would allow adults to possess for personal use up to 100 grams (3 ½ ounces), and to transfer up to 1 ounce as long as it is not for profit. If the bill passes, then it will be the first time since 1937 that the possession, use, and transfer of marijuana would be completely legal.

Besides Representatives Barry Frank and Ron Paul, there were two other major organizations that helped write the bill. The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) had a large hand in the formation of bill, working closely with Rep. Frank. The bill also relied heavily on information and advice from the federally-funded National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse.

House Bill 5842 is also a very important decriminalization bill that will be voted on during this session. Also introduced by Rep. Frank, this bill would allow the states to choose if they will allow decriminalization and/or medical marijuana. It would prohibit any judicial action by the federal government in states where marijuana is decriminalized. Basically, the bill would make the Controlled Substance Act null and void in certain states because of their medical marijuana laws. It would allow medical professionals to prescribe marijuana; authorized users to grow, transport, and consume marijuana; and it would allow pharmacies to distribute marijuana.

Both bills will face harsh criticism because of the stigma in our country that marijuana is evil, but with enough support from voters it will at least raise awareness on the subject. So call or e-mail your representative and tell them to vote Yes on H.R. 5843 and H.R. 5842. If you're too lazy to write a letter, NORML has a pre-written letter and will find your representative -- Marijuana Law Reform - NORML

All you have to do is enter your zip code, so break that couch lock and get active.


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