Medical Marijuana Protection Act

Barney Frank (D-MA) reintroduced a bill to protect medical marijuana patients. H.R. 2835 has 13 cosponsors at this time, it has been referred to the house committee on energy and commerce. As this issue continues to grow in media coverage, this bill could start leading to more promising changes. Everyone should at least agree that it is difficult for America to remain credible with such contradictory laws between the state and federal levels. Ben Morris highlights why he thinks this legislation is important.

H.R. 2835 makes two important changes to federal law. First, it eliminates federal authority to interfere with patients, caregivers, and collectives operating in accordance with state medical marijuana laws. Second, it moves marijuana from Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act into Schedule II. Schedule II drugs have recognized medical benefits and can be prescribed by doctors to patients in need (for example, morphine is a Schedule II drug).

In California, marijuana advocates are working hard to get an initiative on the November 2010 ballot. Supporters will need to gather over 433,000 valid signatures from registered voters. Richard Lee, founder of Oaksterdam University, thought the initiative process could be quicker than waiting for any pending legislation. "We believe that the people lead the politicians on this issue," he said.

Visit Procon.org for their opinion regarding medical marijuana. They are an independent, non-partisan website that investigates controversial issues.