It has been a few weeks since a bipartisan coalition of legislators introduced HR 2306, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011, into the House of Representatives. This legislation would prohibit the federal government from prosecuting adults who use or possess personal use amounts of marijuana by removing the plant and its primary psychoactive constituent, THC, from the five schedules of the United States Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Similar to the ending of alcohol prohibition, the federal government would get out of the business of arresting responsible marijuana smokers and allow states to set their own policies.
HR 2306 was assigned to both the House Judiciary Committee and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The bill currently sits in legislative purgatory and how long it will stay there is entirely dependent on two men. The chairmen of these two committees have thus far refused to schedule the bill for a hearing. Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX), who chairs the Judiciary Committee, has made it clear he has no intentions of hearing the bill. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), who chairs the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, has yet to take a strong public stance.
Stand up for states’ rights and civil liberties by joining NORML in telling these two elected officials that we believe HR 2306 is sound public policy that deserves discussion.
Click here to sign our petition and tell Representatives Smith and Upton to schedule HR 2306 for a hearing!
In better news, we are pleased to announce that HR 2306 now has a new co-sponsor! Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) has contacted Barney Frank’s office and declared his intention to co-sponsor this legislation. He explained his support in a letter to a constituent:
Thank you for contacting me about repealing the federal laws prohibiting the possession of marijuana. I appreciate you taking the time to write, and I welcome this opportunity to respond.
I have contacted Representative Barney Frank’s office and requested to be added as a co-sponsor of H.R. 2306, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011. I share your concern about the problems associated with marijuana in regards to enforcing drug laws, creating a black market for illegal drugs, and punishing drug users who need treatment. Federal law enforcement should concentrate its efforts on measures that truly protect the public, and I do not believe that prosecuting those found in possession of small amounts of marijuana should be a federal priority.
Law enforcement agents are forced to operate under scarce resources and I believe it is irresponsible to spend those resources prosecuting the personal use of marijuana. Far more pressing problems demand attention. I think marijuana use for non-medical reasons is a bad idea, and I would discourage anyone from using it, but I don’t believe making it a crime has been a useful or just policy.
If you are interested in following a particular piece of legislation through the legislative process, the website hosted by the Library of Congress at http://thomas.loc.gov is extremely helpful. It provides a wealth of information about legislation under consideration in the current Congress as well as bills introduced in earlier sessions. The site is called Thomas to honor President Thomas Jefferson and his belief in public access to the workings of government.
Again, thank you for contacting me. I welcome your views, and look forward to hearing from you in the future.
Source
You can keep up to date on HR 2306 by visiting its Facebook page. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to visit NORML’s Take Action Center and contact your elected officials and encourage them to support HR 2306.
I am so discouraged that a new co-sponsor of this bill still says that using Cannabis for recreation is a bad idea. Even those who agree Prohibition is bad are blinded by the propaganda they have been hit over the head with for years.
When will I be a human and not a pothead? Everyone who drinks isn’t a drunk, why can’t I get that same consideration? So much disinformation out there…
They’re moving to stall, neglect attention and anything else to make this bill fail. Enough talk………..
Sadly, it seems HR 2306 may never see the light of day as long as these two men can determine its fate. Upton has had a strong record of being hard on drugs. It is strange that he is remaining quiet.
to whom it may concern:the war on drugs (pot) is nothing more than a way for our goverment to make money.busting people and putting them in jail is not the answer!
for med use needs to stay
Please listen to your constituents, the majority of the American citizens want major federal drug reform. This is the first step, and it is inevitable. Prove that you are a leader, not a follower
This is long over due and every thinking person knows it. Just legalize it already. We are not going away and we are not going to stop using hemp products and marijuana!
This needs to be considered!
We the People have more reasons to change the Congress with no votes to the elected who have denied us and defied us to work to change our Nation to be in line with our Supreme Law, the Constitution. All who have pledged their allegiance to Grover Norquist must be removed from office. Prohibition programs always fail to do anything beyond making money for the few who prohibit the many.
Legalize it.
How crappy is it when you have to leave a decision that MILLIONS of people approve of up to two idiots in congress??? Why does our democracy sometimes sound like a dictatorship?
So Mr Smith does not make it easy!!! Drop an email to him expressing his need to review HR 2306. In order to get the luxury of sending him an email you need to have a zip code in his district HMMMM. Well here ya go! It’s for a lil motel in Kerrville Tx. 1804 Sidney Baker St. 78028-2644. Got to love the internet!!!!!
https://lamarsmith.house.gov
Please end prohibition on cannabis. Reschedule it to a class 2 or 3 narcotic. Do something, but end this pathetic, money wasting “war on drugs”. Realize the tax revenue. Realize the decrease in expenses. Realize the ACTUAL CONTROL YOU WILL HAVE as the Supreme Law of the Land if you end prohibition and tax it. More money in your pockets, government officials! Plus, it will help eliminate the drug problem with have with Mexico. We are their primary customers. Legalize it here, and we will oontrol our own supply and won’t need theirs any longer!
@ PbN2Au – we are a republic, not a democracy. Please look at the Articles of the Constitution and also the Declaration of Independence. “A republic if you can keep it” quoted by Benjamin Franklin. When we gained our independence we had just broken free from absolute tyranny. The last thing our framers wanted was mob rule. Our framers were scared at the thought of a democracy. We are not a democracy. Isn’t it a shame however that “3rd” world countries are now democracys, one step above a republic?
Fight organize crime in the federal government and restore the power of the states.
Bring on the HR 2306!
Since when is this a communist country?
There is a large abundance of people in this country that demand to be heard.
Anyone who tries to stop them from being heard are breaking our constitutional rights.
Let the bill be heard.
The research has proven that marijuana is safer than both cigarettes & alcohol. People do not die from marijuana use as they do from alcohol & cigarettes. Additionally, if you were to ask anyone in recovery from addiction they would probably tell you that alcohol or cigarettes were their gateway drug, not marijuana. It is also proven that there are medicinal qualities in marijuana that do not have the side effects of prescription drugs.
Now thats more like it NORML….SIGNED!!
have u ever heard of anyone over dosing on this stuff no dont think so so just leaglize it alcohol kills more ppl than this shit does
I HATE THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FUCK THIS PLACE …………….AMSTERDAM IS WAY BETTER
Legalize it… and I’ll advertise it!
Please, for the sake of this country’s economy, just legalize cannabis! Legalize it, tax it, benefit from the multitudes of uses for cannabis. It’s not that we want to “get high” we just want to be a more efficient country and people, but that will not happen until the ridiculousness of a “drug war” have ended. We will NEVER move on from the subject until it’s legalized.
It really is SAD that co-sponsors of HB2306 have to say “recreational use is wrong”. There is absolutely no proof of that, in fact, the opposite is/has much compelling truth. There is such a thing as “self-fulfilling prophecy”, and that is why we who know that cannabis is safer and actually beneficial are labeled as “potheads” and will continue to be so. This is not the truth, but this is the self fulfilled prophecy they believe and create in their own minds. Likewise they are blind to the damage alcohol and tobacco does to our society, and blind to the idea of an alternative that that promotes peace.
Fact is, cannabis users in this country are too peace-loving, and rarely does a crime of violence involve cannabis, where often alcohol is used in crimes of violence. In addition, alcohol prohibition was ended in part because users of alcohol tend towards violent behavior, especially when told they can’t use it. This is not the case with cannabis users… we sit back and are content with what we get, when we get it, even if it comes from violent cartels, but our conscience bothers us and we’d like to end the supply from the cartels, but our gov’t won’t let that happen.
Our gov’t is responsible for the damage and 40,000+ deaths in Mexico due to cannabis prohibition, given that God, our God gave us the plants of the earth. This is what makes prohibition of cannabis an act of terrorism on the part of our gov’t, in that a war against Americans who benefit from cannabis has been waged against us for 40+ years. Many are locked up, or have criminal histories solely as a result of this prejudicial war, and our lives have been either lost or shackled as a result.
This is not right. It is not Just. It is not Constitutionally legal.
When I used cannabis for the first time around age 19 it saved my life! I was out of HS, in college going nowhere fast. I had only feelings of hate and resentment inside of me, having been abused and bullied for much of my life until then. I was asocial and I’m sure I’d have either become a serial murderer or committed suicide because life meant nothing to me. Until I experienced the effects of cannabis…
The immediate effect was self-awareness. The awareness of life, the world, and nature. It was a 180 degree turn, a turn that led me to love people, love education, and respect nature. It saved my life. In the beginning the effects of cannabis were profound, but over time it became mearly a relaxant. It helped me at the end of the day to reflect and to meditate. The alternatives weren’t really alternatives, by that I mean both alcohol and tobacco were drugs with unpleasant side-effects. But they were legal and cannabis was not. By age 50 the law caught up to me, and I was to old to find anyone willing to sell me cannabis, so I succumbed to the status quo – I smoke a pack of cigarettes a day and around 6 drinks. I’m back to where life means little to me and I just want to die. It’s been 6 years feeling like that. Ever since I have not been able to use a little cannabis each day after work.
The gov’t would say I need drugs to deal with my problems… well I take their drugs, their anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medications, and I went through years of psychotherapy. The truth is, cannabis is something my body needs, and although for others their own bodies manufacture the THC component necessary for survival, my body does not. But that’s not what’s important, what’s important is cannabis IS NOT a danger to society, the prohibition and laws against it’s use are a danger to society.
The DEA is assigned the job of providing science based protections to society when it comes to drugs. It has proved itself blatantly irresponsible when considering cannabis, as cannabis itself is not per-se a drug, but rather a plant with naturally occurring healing and non-intoxicant psychoactive properties. These properties lead to relaxation, meditation, creativity and an awareness that is pro-environmental. Users are not generally violent, they don’t exceed limits that endanger society, they tend to promote peace and prosperity.
But all this is irrelevant as my gov’t uses cannabis as a scapegoat for all that is wrong in society… claiming prohibition of cannabis is necessary to ensure public safety, when in fact, prohibition ensures citizens will do exactly the opposite. By demonizing cannabis, they encourage use of the very substances, and mindset that guarantees violence and disharmony.
I’m afraid a new revolution is inevitable, simply because the government is out of touch with reality and more focused on special-interest corporations and myths that they simply cannot let go of or choose not to. One need only reflect on the damage alcohol and tobacco does to society and the lack of damage cannabis causes and any 6th grader could point out the difference is grossly apparent.
We are fighting a lost cause. We may have the slogan “In God We Trust” on our money, but our gov’t does not trust in God… it trusts only in perpetuating lies, and pork that feeds it’s own bloated belly.
It’s time, we Americans treat cannabis use like spitting on the sidewalk… in that, spitting once landed us in jail, just as cannabis use does today.
As Bob Dylan sang – “Everyone must get stoned…”… when we all have criminal records for spitting on the sidewalk and our jails and prisons are busting at the seams, as they already are, cannabis use will become a blue law, one that is ignored. Too bad it has to go that way, but our gov’t is too self-righteous and anal to see the very truth in front of their nose.
The DEA has no business being involved in regulating cannabis. It is a plant that God gave us. Use it and prosper. God gave use all a middle finger… use that as well. There really appears to be no other solution to the destruction prohibition of cannabis is causing to us, our neighbors to the south, and the world.
Death by DEA… bring it on and shout NIXON as you go down!!!
Like the Arab Spring, witness now Cannabis Spring. Within a year I expect based on memos from the DOJ and recent rulings by the DEA that CA growers will be rounded up and imprisoned for life. The War on Drugs is real. And the federal government has no intention to end it. A war on American soil by our federal gov’t is Unconstitutional, but it would appear the gov’t no longer abides by the Constitution.
The motto in NH is “Live Free or Die”. Death is more honorable than slavery, which is what we are – slaves to a system that has rotted. Slaves to laws that are unjust and not based on science. Slaves to the whims of the elite.
It’s about time!
I didn’t think NORML was going to publish my article in my last post regarding what is happening in, Santa Barbara .The point is there is corruption in The City of Santa Barbara exactly like corruption in this Country .
It’s corrupted politicians who are being funded & bribed with huge amounts of money to keep Marijuana classified as a schedule 1 – drug irregardless of what’s right and what the people want .
It seems to me that this petition is receiving about 1 signature per minute. Seems like a good sign to me. But I couldn’t tell you the last time any politico listened to the population.
My American Genesists Brethren – 3141
Question: How do you deal with a closed mind?
Answer: You don’t.
Question: Now what?
Answer: Get away from the closed mind – fast!
Question: Why?
Answer: The closed mind will “effect you” to the point of violence. You’ll see the closed mind as something that desperately needs the shit kicked out of it. It’s the only thing you haven’t tried. What you will realize very quickly is – “you don’t have enough kick.” Besides – it’s “not appropriate” to attack a diseased organ. You would be “more effective “ painting rubbish.
Question: Why should we be infected with their insanity?
Answer: We shouldn’t.
Question: So! what should we do?
Answer: Don’t worry about them – they will be the 10% left behind – if they’ve not already. It’s the top 5% that’s going to be the only opposition – the top 5% that says what goes – “right now.”
Question: What should we bear in mind?
Answer: “Unique – as individuals – we live our lives – and – comprehend our existence – within our minds – at the level of our awareness. As I think – so shall it be. Wherever I go – there I am. It’s my mind that makes it so – it’s my conscience that I answer to.”
Good CDXX Communion.
guys the bill will not pass. the lobbyists, and politicians simply will not let it. it is sad that our government is this corrupt now.
Nobody I know on the internet believes in petitions. Good luck. You’ll need it.
Ok so we should accept federal as “cannon” and never question it Reich? I live in AZ. and did not get a card and am glad cause I can envision obama showing how tough he can be and locking up a Million+ People over night and they should all be easy cheep prosecutions since they did sign legal paperers state that they will be braking Cannon federal Law. obama has broken every promise, can we trust him? Should we be checking the republican who claim to be for ending the drug war? we NeEd to VOTE, be informed and be ready to bring an end to this drug war at all any nonviolent means available. they want to spend $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ on a war against us there own country men’n woman? whan the dust is settled if are not not recognized/respected then it will be time to give them a war and brake the country(or at least threaten to) via the legal system. Just imagine all 80 or 90 million “druggies” demanding that the feds ether enforce the law or Chang the law.
1. set a date.
2.get partition going and negotiations make sure they
understand whats gana happen.
3.as the date approaches start turning our selves in
increasing larger groups.
4.If the fed stand on there Cannon Law then they can
keep us all in prison where can be obstinate and
completely useless, costing them 100’s of billions
of dollars year and still trying to mop up the last
of us. This will cause the country to fold, none of
really want this.
In summery its all up to us, the country can not afford this war any longer and our “leaders” are not seeing the damage the war is rendering. We need Hemp and we need MMJ, to be aloud to use marijuana responsibly and recreational drug use need to properly controlled so that those chose to hurt them selves can get help getting out of it.
Or we can all Raise our right hands to the Reich and accept Cannon Law.
im going to smoke anyway
The simple answer is to block these two men’s proposed legislation in other subcomittees. That said, this won’t happen without political will and most politicians wrongly believe loosing up cannabis prohibition is a career damaging.
The feds follow the states. States ban things then at some point the tide will force the fed to act. The tide must continue to pushed in the direction of liberalization not repression.
Remember people are fighting against years of government propoganda that says those who even take a drug are doomed to a life a despair. It is a flawed approach as life does not exist in the land of complete black and white.
BobKat,
I just read your post . I didn’t want to rub in the ” God ” thing ( religion ) since most people are turned off by the subject but since you mentioned it first you hit the nail right on the head and that’s exactly why corruption, lies, dishonesty & greed is not only bringing California down to its knees but it will be the reason this Country will fall unless we repent as a Nation .
While for the most part I do not disagree with what you said Bobkat, I hope Lincoln was correct:
“The best way to get a bad law repealed is to enforce it strictly.” Abraham Lincoln
I guess I’m just an optimist and I pray to the FSM that Obama is crazy like a fox and is giving the DEA enough rope to hang themselves (he HAS to see the change in public opinion).
Keep the signatures coming everyone! After I signed, there were 5,210 people on the petition. I have to believe that NORML.org sees more traffic than that on any given day, so all you slackers out there who have yet to sign the petition need to get on it!
24. BobKat
“Our federal gov’t is Unconstitutional, but it would appear the gov’t no longer abides by the Constitution.”
The 2012 Prophecy is no joke. If one doesn’t believe that – it will only be 15 months before reality strikes. The world as we know it will be non-existent. It’s just a damned good thing that their global warming bullshit didn’t make it to the hearts and minds of Americans. Check out the mural at the new Denver Airport.
When the ‘legal’ drugs cause symptoms that are worse than the disease, it is time to try something else! Not to mention the lawsuits is brings out. Why not organic medicines? Stop the pharmas from producing regulated drugs that are causing birth defects, brain damage and countless other side effects! They are only getting rich w/no consequences.Time for MAJOR change in the way we think about drugs.
I’m growing more pessimistic every day
bout time
@24 – I too find it strange, interesting, and bothersome in the extreme that anyone would think that recreational use is wrong. If someone does something, enjoys it, and no one or no thing is hurt by it how could it possibly be wrong? Anyone who thinks this way is so different from me as to be a different species; a lower kind…
Unless you vote in one of these fellows districts..why should they listen to you? Put pressure on your own state politicians to in act change, they need your vote. The feds receive to much money and power to ever do anything for us..Note how pro Obama was until he got the power..Pressure,donate,preach..Just know that we the people will have to carry the water on all issues of liberty..
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/ Did anyone else see this on NBC last night, more deaths over drugs in Mexico, are they winning the war on drugs? I think not, this seems to be evidence of that!
the fed’s should prove cannabis is bad. after 25 years of using cannabis i have found nothing wrong with it.
Use of cannabis simply is not an issue for the DEA, since it recognizes no medical value, the value is in the heart of the recreational and spiritual user. By default, since the DEA can’t prove cannabis is a drug, they can’t prove it’s harmful. Their own decision voids their involvement in the use of cannabis.
The FDA does not see cannabis as a drug either, or else like tobacco they would be addressing it.
Cannabis is an herb, a plant… the FDA nor the DEA has a right to regulate a plant with no medically recognized value nor harm. The fact that cannabis is listed as a Schedule One Drug by the DEA is an oxymoron… if you benefit from use of cannabis that’s a good thing as the DEA does not see that it’s possible to have any drug-like effects on the human body.
It’s like the pope insisting the earth is flat, when he knows it’s not. Not to say the pope or the DEA won’t fight and incarceration and cause death to millions by the time they’re done trying to make us believe lies; but that is life… the world is fraught with dangers and demented leaders making those who are different suffer.
We still do have our First Amendment rights… lets use them to fight injustice. $0 years after the creation of the DEA it’s obvious they are popes proclaiming lies and subjecting the populous to a reign of terror… welcome to the Inquisition, 2011.
“Live Free or Die”…
Stop the Hurt!!!
34. TRUTH DOCTOR
“I didn’t want to rub in the ” God ” thing ( religion ) since most people are turned off by the subject.”
I find it comical – that some [5% of the world] who don’t believe can bash the other 95% who do believe – when in fact it’s none of their business – but – it does have a familiar ring to it – when considering who wants to rule the world. I’d say – if you don’t believe – just walk on by – nobody is “FORCING YOU TO BELIEVE IN ANYTHING” – not yet anyway. When you say – “most people” – I assume you mean “YOU.” Any way – “Your reality is yours.” Just remember – “We’re on the same side here.”
I wanted to share this with everyone so you can see how dumb Texas polital leaders are. I got a response back from Texas Rep. who is clearly against reform. This guy shows what he knows about the subject at hand. He is still in the 1930’s. I encourage everyone in this voting district to vote this idiot out.
July 1, 2011
Mr. Chris Swanson
Dear Mr. Swanson:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the use of medical marijuana. I understand and appreciate your views on this issue, and I value this opportunity to respond to you.
There currently is an ongoing debate over the effectiveness of marijuana as a medicine to treat medical conditions such as glaucoma. However, this is a good example of more effective medicines already available such as six classes of drugs and multiple surgical techniques that are available to treat glaucoma. Smoked marijuana also has been shown to cause a variety of health problems including cancer, respiratory problems, increased heart rate, loss of motor skills, and it can impair the immune system by impairing the ability of T-cells to fight off infections.
The DEA supports research into the safety and efficacy of THC (the major psychoactive component of marijuana,) and such studies are ongoing, supported by grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. As a result, a synthetic THC drug, Marinol, has been available to the public since 1985. The Food and Drug Administration has determined that Marinol is safe, effective, and has therapeutic benefits for use as a treatment for nausea associated with cancer therapy, and does not produce the harmful health effects associated with smoking marijuana. Marijuana in its current form as a drug is dangerously addictive and poses significant health threats to users. I am opposed to any efforts to legalize marijuana as it may lead to use of harder drugs.
Once again, thank you for contacting me. For more information on my views and legislation, please visit my congressional website at cuellar.house.gov. Please do not hesitate to share your views with me regarding this or any other matter in the future.
Sincerely,
Henry Cuellar, Ph.D.
U.S. Congressman
28th District of Texas
20. Dustin Higgins
Love it or leave it Dustin – but – if you stay – fight the ones who make you feel this way.
47. Chris
I wonder if Cuellar kisses his mother with that lying ass mouth. I’m starting to wonder if Texas voters aren’t the problem. Smith and Cuellar were voted in – now vote their plethoricaly dumb asses out.
Two men? It depends on TWO men? You have that, and then you have the opinions of millions of Americans. The Federal Government is a joke. I will enjoy watching them collapse under the weight of their own lies, and tyranny. What does history teach us fellas? It teaches us that liars, munipulators and thieves don’t last. Unfortunetely they get to terrorize people for a while, but ultimately, they fail. Every single time. It gets better. The higher you rise into power, the farther you fall. When they fall, no one will be there to catch them, and they shall recieve no sympathy. People are waking up. The future is ours. even if they bad guys don’t know it yet. It’s called karma, what comes around goes around. It’s universal law and it NEVER fails.
How do they knowhow bad pot is when there are no studies accepted?
Catch22 doublespeak smug ignorant motherfuckers
Who’s the master. It’s all about control.
Thanks NORML for supporting HR 2306. We have reposted this article on our websites and on facebook. A few words about our groups on http://www.potforfreedom.com.
Starting the Cannabis Argument Where It Starts!
We are grassroots movement dedicated to promoting honest education about cannabis (hemp, marijuana) and the full repeal of cannabis prohibition. Our main goal is to provide evidence based information to the citizens of America about the benefits of this untapped, renewable, sustainable and once vital natural resource so they can make informed decisions on this complex issue.
We the people demand that cannabis (hemp, marijuana, THC and other cannabis extracts) be exempted from the DEA’s Controlled Substances Act (like alcohol, nicotine, caffeine and other “drugs”) and ALL local, state and federal criminal penalties for the cultivation, processing, transportation, distribution, sales, trade, sharing, possession, consumption and use of cannabis for industrial, medicinal, nutritional, spiritual and recreational purposes be repealed.
I agree with #11 PbN2Au. Two fucking idiots can hold up progress for millions of people. Democracy, schmucktocracy, republic, schmuckpublic. So how far away are we as a nation away from totalitarian rule if it comes down to these two fucking assholes blocking the road to legalization?
I hope they go hunting with Dick Cheney!
legalize it!wat and who is it hurting.
#2 I agree there’s been enough talk. We will not have freedom until we take it from them.
#12 THANK YOU ROBERT
I got a nice reply from my new Rep. that if he had to vote it would be to not reschedule that evil weed.
When this matter goes up for an vote I think the choice should be keep things the way they are or enforce this federal law that is being broken in 14 of our states.
Why should we not demand equal enforcement of this federal law. If an American in one of 36 states that doesnt recognize marijuana as medicine gets arrested why are my federal rights not the same as those citizens that live in the rest of our federal states.
Make them make a choice.
Either things stay the same and federal states can decide on their own to change federal law.
Or our federal drug enforcement agency goes into these states that chose not to live under the same federal laws as me and get arrested.
Why should I not have the same federal laws as someone that gets to do what I want to do. Why should I become a second rate citizen because I live somewhere that would not come up with 51% of the vote to change things. I wished I lived somewhere that would come up with 40% of the vote that would demand to be arrested if this law is not changed.
Nothing has done more damage to the public’s respect for the Rule of Law than prohibition. Prohibition is a scam to aggrandize contraband barons. Enough is enough!
45. BobKat
BobKat…“Live Free or Die.”
Manford Mantis…”Death Before Dishonor.”
Me…”Don’t Tread on Me.”
Feel free to fill in the blanks. I don’t know what clearer message could be sent – what the message says, means, and who sends it. All Americans – “One Nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Bring your religion – it is protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution that we live by – the only law we live by.
When will these clowns on Capitol Hill realize the will of the silenced majority? I made $65,000 last year…when will these people understand NOT every pot smoker sits on the couch every day eating ice cream and playing Play Station. I don’t smoke everyday/allday. I have a double B.S. in Mathematics and Physics. The sterotypes are sickening!
This is from #12 It’s for a lil motel in Kerrville Tx. 1804 Sidney Baker St. 78028-2644. Got to love the internet!!!!! EVERYOBODY FLOOD HIS EMAIL I HAVE BEEN FOR A FEW HOURS NOW.
Politicians are in the back pocket of drug and alcohol companies. When people cannot get the benign plant marijuana but want to alter their consciousness where do they go? They buy a six pack or smoke a pack of cigarettes. Look up your politicians and see who donates to their campaigns. You vote for these fools. If you don’t vote you let other idiots elect our leaders.
Lies, lies, lies .
Doctors make money off of prescribing prescription medications .
He himself is
promoting pharmaceutical .
Did you not read his rubbish ?
Like, THE TRUTH DOCTOR says…….” corruption, lies, dishonesty & greed will bring this( California ) Country down to it’s knees “.
God is mad .
PS –
” Everyone will be judged according to their
works and they repenteth not “
To whom it may concern,
I have severe degenrative disc disease, 4spinal surgeries 2 with titanium implants and cadav bone and synthetic bone, injured while serving my country and born with a heriditary disabiling disease, no longer able to work as a nurse or work period my spinal pain is so severe. We have so much medical support for safe administration of THC as pain mang. treatments yet they insist narcotics such as percocet for example are legal and good and cannibis is illegal and bad.
I was told by ortho and neruo surgical specialists along with my family practice dr they can’t fix my spine. I have a progressive painful disorder which will persist for my life and most likely get worse. That being said I would not wish my pain on my worst enemy due to its chronic nature but would like the lawmakers to imagin the worst pain they have ever felt and now imagin it will never ever go away and will only get worse…..this is my fate……is Marijuana still the worst thing I could be doing? Is it fair to not ask me even but tell me to “live with it” when a natural plant can ease the nausea and make the pain come down to a I can get out of bed today level?
Sincerely, I just wanna LIVE in COMFORT PLEASE!
It’s easy to spot which politicians are corrupt accepting bribes from the industries whom cannabis legalization threatens. Just listen to them talk. They all say such good things about the “legitimate” pharmaceutical poisons approved by the FDA but never mention people dying from prescription drug overdoses. Poison control is a joke on the American public. Any politician who opposes pro-cannabis legislature should be investigated and audited to find out where their money is coming from.
“recreational use is wrong”…as he sits back and pops the tab on a beer right?
I too am tired of the bull, and will be using my vote to voice my opinions in the elections…
Legalize pot. It’s harmless, and it can be a great source of state/federal tax revenue.
Letter from Mr. Cooper:
Thank you for contacting me in support of the legalization of marijuana. As you know, Representatives Ron Paul and Barney Frank recently introduced H.R. 2306, a bill that would limit the application of Federal laws to the distribution and consumption of marijuana.
I appreciate your research on this matter. However, I’m afraid that I can’t agree with you that legalizing marijuana is the best policy for our country. Although I can understand the arguments of those who favor legalization for specific purposes, such as for medical use, I’m too troubled by the extent and consequences of drug abuse in our nation to support making marijuana legal.
Thanks again for taking the time to share your views with me. Although we may not agree on this particular issue, I hope that you will not hesitate to continue to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you again.
Sincerely,
Jim Cooper
Member of Congress
@70 – Don’t ya just hate these guys who are against it but never give a decent reason why? Well, as far as I’m concerned, Jim Cooper needs to be put on the list of people to vote out!
There is only one way we will have legalization. That is to take it. There are 25 million of us tokers. That is a very powerful voting bloc but we must organize and vote out every single congressman next year who is opposed to ending prohibition. United we stand divided we fall.
i really dont see a reason why this is even an argument… if mind and body altering chemicals are mass produced and sold over the counter and through prescriptions on the daily, i dont understand why a natural substitute for modern medicine WOULDNT be accepted.
End this nonsense
looks like its time for every one that wants legalization to step up and start voting any and all of these idiots from power..time to remind them that we the people are fed up with the lies and bull..im 50 in 3 wks and sadly enuff i have only ever registerd to vote once in my entire life…this changes starting now..i will be there god willing in 2012 to cast my vote and hope that my beliefs in the way the system works are wrong but i say to you what happened in fl when gw fist took office gives them merit…i will however make the effort in the event im wrong…im sure there are many of us that feel the same…i say this because from what ive read ru paul apperently has tried to run for president befor now yet till a few months ago i never knew who he was…i also have read that in all the polls conducted he seemed to overwhelmingly win these polls by a landslide..if this is true then i would say there is one hell of alot of us that should finally get out and vote…im thinkin our numbers are far greater than anyone realizes and that if we all finally came out in force maybe…just maybe…we can effect change and get things headed in the proper direction….we need polititions workin for the ppl..not big bussiness..we need polititions that will do what the ppl ask for and not afraid to make the so called carear ending proposals..i for one am goin to be watching and listeng to what candates have to save and will deffinatly be voting against any and all that are unwilling to back the people and fight for what the majority want im tired of hard headed assholes that refuse to listen to the ppl and force their beliefs on the majorty…as many have already stated…who are these 2 cowboys to decide for millions that its in their best intrest to kill something the majority wants…i dont want hard headed narrow minded idiots like that making decisions for me without even knowing the facts…this is your brain…this is your brain on idiots making desisions for you…time to wake up america…i was always under the belief that ppl in pupblic offices worked for the ppl and as such should not push their personal views but rather the will of the majority…lol…something went wrong eh?
looks like its time for every one that wants legalization to step up and start voting any and all of these idiots from power..time to remind them that we the people are fed up with the lies and bull..im 50 in 3 wks and sadly enuff i have only ever registerd to vote once in my entire life…this changes starting now..i will be there god willing in 2012 to cast my vote and hope that my beliefs in the way the system works are wrong but i say to you what happened in fl when gw fist took office gives them merit…i will however make the effort in the event im wrong…im sure there are many of us that feel the same…i say this because from what ive read ru paul apperently has tried to run for president befor now yet till a few months ago i never knew who he was…i also have read that in all the polls conducted he seemed to overwhelmingly win these polls by a landslide..if this is true then i would say there is one hell of alot of us that should finally get out and vote…im thinkin our numbers are far greater than anyone realizes and that if we all finally came out in force maybe…just maybe…we can effect change and get things headed in the proper direction….we need polititions workin for the ppl..not big bussiness..we need polititions that will do what the ppl ask for and not afraid to make the so called carear ending proposals..i for one am goin to be watching and listeng to what canidates have to say and will deffinatly be voting against any and all that are unwilling to back the people and fight for what the majority want. im tired of hard headed idiots that refuse to listen to the ppl and force their beliefs on the majorty…as many have already stated…who are these 2 cowboys to decide for millions that its in their best intrest to kill something the majority wants…i dont want hard headed narrow minded idiots like that making decisions for me without even knowing the facts…this is your brain…this is your brain on idiots making desisions for you…time to wake up america…i was always under the belief that ppl in pupblic offices worked for the ppl and as such should not push their personal views but rather the will of the majority…lol…something went wrong eh?
This was an email that was sent to me by one of Obama’s yes men.
Back in March, I was in the room as President Obama spoke to a group of
> young Americans of different political persuasions in Massachusetts. He
> spoke candidly and openly about the importance of compromise in our
> democracy — even from people who care passionately about their position.
>> One quote stuck with me: “the nature of our democracy and the nature of our
> politics is to marry principle to a political process that means you don’t
> get 100% of what you want.”>
> This is a President who believes searching for common ground is the right
> way to approach solving our problems. And in fact, in the divided government
> our country has chosen, it’s the only way we can.
>> Unfortunately, that view isn’t shared by everyone in Washington, DC. And you
> can see that right now as the President is trying to bring people together
> to tackle our debt and get our fiscal house in order.
> This is a difficult process, and it means Republicans and Democrats need to
> step outside their political comfort zone and find some common ground. The
> President is willing to make tough cuts with real impacts, not easy
> decisions.
>> But most Congressional Republicans have dug in and demanded that the
> sacrifice fall only on the middle class, seniors and struggling Americans.
>> The President tried to make it easy for them by suggesting closing some of
> the most egregious loopholes for the very wealthiest Americans and special
> interests — so that hedge fund managers don’t pay lower taxes than
> firefighters and teachers, corporate jet owners don’t pay lower taxes than
> commercial airlines, and oil companies don’t get tax cuts at a time they are
> making record profits.
>> Congressional Republicans have not yet given an inch even though the
> American people, regardless of which political party they belong to,
> overwhelmingly approve of this common sense, balanced approach.
>> Our nation is climbing out of the worst recession since the Great
> Depression, and one of the most important things we can do to help the
> economy is to get our fiscal house in order and reduce our Nation’s deficit.
> We can’t let this moment pass us by.
>> Compromise isn’t a dirty word — in fact, it’s the only way our democracy can
> get big things done.
> Sincerely,
>> David Plouffe
> Senior Advisor to the President
This was my response
You are a damn liar. That jackass NAZI wannabe president does not give a damn about democracy or us, the people he is supposed to be serving. We have repeatedly demanded that the insane war on marijuana end. It is clear to anyone who looks objectively at the situation that marijuana has undeniable medical benefits. Even if it did not, marijuana is the ONLY substance that has been outlawed for its alleged lack of medical value. It is clearly much better for the human body than any other mind altering substance; case in point, alcohol and tobacco. Every year 50,000 Americans die from alcohol and last year the American death toll from tobacco was 443,000. Marijuana has never killed a single person in all of human history. You know that just as well as I do. That is proof enough for me that you and your president do not give a shit about us, our country, or our rights. For you it is all about the power you feel from forcing your choices on us. You call this a war. If that is what it is then you NAZI bastards are under siege from all sides and still refuse to yield even an inch but somehow claim you are compromising. Your response to us is always the same. You the jackass politicians will decide American drug policy not us the American people. Even many international organizations, dignitaries such as Jimmy Carter, George Schultz, and many former presidents of foreign countries have advocated ending this insanity. To make things worse you are filling prisons with people who commit no other crimes but use marijuana, cocaine, and other drugs. The result of this injustice is locking up innocent people and then having to release inmates. But you don’t release drug offenders. You instead release murders, rapists, and baby molesters. I am not saying cocaine is harmless like marijuana and I don’t do cocaine or any other drug. My only vice is to use the herb marijuana. But the legal consequences of using cocaine are far more damaging than the drug itself. Some claim making marijuana legal would make it easier for kids to get. No it won’t. Any and I repeat any kid in America can get his/her hands on marijuana, or any other dug he/she wants by walking out their front door, walk down the street and knock on a drug dealer’s door. Drug dealers don’t ask for ID. Until I decide differently my choice is and will remain to smoke marijuana. As long as what I choose harms no person, that choice is one I will not allow anyone to make for me.
i belive that for personal use it should be decremenilized. i as a person who is medically marajuana dependent in a state that has no medical marajuana feel that what the goverment is doing is wrong. statsically how many crimanl reports do they have that are thefts, assaults, murder, rape and the people where under the infulence of pot. they just went through my trash this morning and searched my house 12 hours later, but did not state or write in the evidence report what they found in the trash to give them propable cause for a search warrent. i work had for the things and life i have, i dont sell or hussle it, i uses it to help me deal with everyday life and functionality. I say pass a law to allow people to possess, buy from despinsery’s, and arrest the people who decided not to go the legal way.
I wonder–could NORML get media support for educating the congress people on their crazy-wrong opinions about marijuana? show films, have hearings- walk the halls, knock on doors. every member that refuses- well- thput em on the out list. GRASS roots for sure. it’s past time to handle this.
rep.cooper says synthetic marijuana- whyyy? no need and marinol- uck, no. marijuana and other class ones- not at all similar in make-up or effect.kids are lied to daily tht pot and heroin are the same. marijuana made illegal in 1934 for political reasons and is kept thus still. big pharma, of course- largely responsible, as it fills the pockets of congress with its fat, never-ending dollars and since you cant patent a plant–where oh were wd there profits be if we had legal marijuana? we wouldn’t need their meds, not nearly as much.
writing upton and smith. if we all did- something wd happen. wait til the debt ceiling chaos has settled- timing is everything, remember. and tell em this will help the economy. it will-tax marijuana and lose DEA pot police. bam- millions saved.
correction: ‘where would *their* profits be…’ ack
I don’t see the point even if this bill were to pass the house then the senate the President wouldn’t sign it. Why bother with it???
Cannabis was outlawed the same time big pharmacuitical companies came into existence. Julia hit it right on the head guys. The lobbyist for these companies are responsable for this idiousy. If they cant patent it, they don’t want it on the market. Has anyone read the list of side affects on the meds we the american people are given and told will help us? This is a farce and until we stop the pharma companies from paying off polititions so they can “legally” sell their poison. Make no mistake, it is poison to your system and your body was never made to ingest these compounds.
We smoke pot, you take poison and allow it to our children but we are the criminals?
Who are the real idiots and criminals in this country?
And as for you hmmm, you bother because it’s the right thing to do, or do you like dictators?
I have been a substance abuse counselor for the past four years, not specifically by choice but because that is the only form of counseling that Florida and our federal government are willing to fund. Most professionals in my field agree that counseling people for marijuana use is a waste of time unless the use is a trigger for that particular person to commit crimes and/or relapse with another substance that has caused the individual significant life issues. If the uninformed politicians wanted realistic advise on the matter, we are available! And again most people in my field would agree that prohibition of marijuana has done an injustice to both our clients and to this country. How much money is diverted to prevention, incarseration, probation and rehibilitation for a relatively harmless substance. If politicians gave a damn about our country’s addiction issues, health or crime, they would hold pharmaceutical companies accountable, provide us at least minimal health care and regulate banks and wall street to some level. Again, any politicians reading this need to check yourselves; if it were a homeland security issue you would seek counsel from security specialists, if it were a financial issue you would want advice from an accomplished financial advisor, but not once have I ever heard an accredited substance abuse counselor consulted on the matter of marijuana prohibition. And if that is not in your plans, at least consult the constituency that voted you in and can vote you out. Thank you politicians for your time and continued ineptness!
Here is the response I got.
Thank you for sharing with me your thoughts regarding the legalization of marijuana.
While I understand the pain and discomfort suffered by those with terminal illnesses, there are medical alternatives and advances being found each day to address this problem. Rather than considering proposals to legalize marijuana for any use, we should unite behind a comprehensive plan to stop drugs from entering our nation and punish the drug lords who sell drugs on our streets.
No greater social problem threatens the United States more than the reliance on and abuse of harmful and addictive drugs, including marijuana. The repercussions of drug abuse now extend to almost every element of our lives. A worldwide network of drug trafficking has developed, and organized crime and terrorist groups are thriving on this multi-million dollar illegal drug industry. Moreover, domestic crime rates have soared as a result of drug addiction.
Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding this matter of mutual concern.
It is my hope that you will continue to keep me apprised of your interest in legislative issues important to you.
With best wishes and personal regards, I am
Bill Young
Member of Congress
He says he understands “pain and discomfort suffered by those with terminal illnesses”
What if you don’t have insurance and/or can’t afford Big Pharma’s concoctions, approved after doctors received their bribes to OK it.
“No greater social problem threatens the United States”.
Really, I would hazard to guess it would be the 14 trillion dollar debt.
“The repercussions of drug abuse”.
Here is where he lumps Marijuana in with other drugs.
“organized crime and terrorist groups are thriving on this multi-million dollar illegal drug industry”.
Why don’t they smuggle beer or booze? Because you can by beer in a store!
“domestic crime rates have soared as a result of drug addiction”
Throw in a little tried-n-true scare tactics.
There you have it folks, just goes to show you don’t
need facts, just take Mr. Young’s word for it. After all he is a member of Congress.
Rather be ” potheaded ” than hard headed. Potheads vs Politions?
the way I see it, this battle will not be won by legislation but will be won in the courts. legislation gives the opportunity to oppose or stall action. what needs to happen is for a lawyer/s who really want to be known as the one/s who got cannabis legalized to use a case such as personal injury (for pain management) to make it all the way to the SCOTUS to get a ruling that personal use is legal. I just don’t see leglislation happening soon.
if Texas could be convinced to legalize then many other states would follow suit. I say this b/c Texas is so well known for being harsh on MJ use and possession
i emailed my rep and this was his response
Thank you for contacting me expressing your opinions about marijuana use. I appreciate your views, which help inform and guide me in Congress.
Marijuana is the most abused drug in America. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, more young people are now in treatment for marijuana dependency than for alcohol or for all other legal drugs combined. This is an alarming trend. I believe a strong drug policy and strong anti-drug message is necessary to reduce the desire for drugs among our citizens, particularly our children. It is a far better path than choosing to legalize drugs.
You may be interested to know that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shows that the same medicinal benefits from marijuana can be gained by taking certain prescription medications. For example, Marinol is a pill that can help people who suffer from cancer without the harmful effects of smoking marijuana. Moreover, in June 2005, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in favor of allowing the federal government to prosecute those who use medical marijuana, in U.S. v. Oakland Cannabis Buyers Cooperative, which found that current federal anti-drug laws provide no “medical necessity” defense against selling or growing marijuana.
The long-term effect of marijuana is harmful to the health and wellness of not only the users, but everyone around them. It is important that we adequately equip our law enforcement officers with the resources they need to combat drug use, and equally important that our legal system has the tools to appropriately sanction those who break the law. Likewise, I will keep your thoughts in mind should any legislation related to drug policy come before the House.
Again, I thank you for your opinions and look forward to serving you. Please do not hesitate to contact my office in the future. If you would be interested in receiving my e-newsletter, or for other information, please visit my website at http://www.roe.house.gov to sign up or to contact me.
Sincerely,
David P. Roe
Member of Congress
LEGALIZE MARIJUANA in TEXAS
Law makers are law breakers if society called a random drug test on every Politian, Judge, lawyer, CEO, entertainer, etc… some would fail the test, and show that they smoke marijuana too. Law Enforcement are hypocrites, they drink to drunkenness, get stopped for DWI as well as the above listed, and yet alcohol is legal. Alcohol is associated with crimes such as: violence, public intoxication, vehicular homicide, robbery and murder, more people are arrested under the influence of alcohol then marijuana. Alcohol causes health problems such as: addiction, liver and kidney disease and damage to brain cells. Marijuana is not the gateway drug. Alcohol is the gateway and if a person is going to experiment with other drugs that’s on them not the drug. Prescription pills are addictive and sold legally and illegally. Marijuana helps increase appetite for cancer patients and minimizes pain, helps with anxiety and depression but the government forces people to buy prescription and over the counter drugs (pills) with bad health side effects. The biggest Lie is more crime if marijuana is legalized, if marijuana is legalized, and sold to 21yrs and older the drug dealers would lose their customers and the government can tax the sell of marijuana and collect 1.5 billion dollars per year or more on sells. (When alcohol was legalized there was no need for bootleggers or moonshiners). JOBS would be created for regulating, growing, testing, and selling marijuana just like cigarettes also the same laws for alcohol would apply for driving DWI-DUI. Legalizing marijuana would release men and woman from prison who are not a danger to society and would cut down on prison over crowding. Those currently in prison for possession or selling of Marijuana only, they should be released and pay a fine to the government. Many men and women who work and pay their taxes, contribute their time to help society and when they go home they prefer marijuana instead of alcohol, pills, wine or beer and the government wants to arrest them for possession and make them a criminal. Even though those who are arrested for possession of marijuana have not hurt anyone, stolen from anyone or caused death or an accident they are arrested and lose their jobs because the government is lying. Marijuana is not as addictive as alcohol and prescription drugs, people generally stop using marijuana without rehab. Personally when I look at law enforcement on T.V., burning marijuana in the forest it’s a joke, but I’m not laughing they look STUPID burning nature, marijuana grows from the earth It’s like trying to rid the earth of wild flowers they grow anywhere. Shouldn’t law enforcement be going after drug labs that are manufacturing drugs such as meth, cocaine and heroin instead of wasting time, money, and man power for cutting down and burning trees. Texas has a high DWI rate and they should be the first to LEGALIZE MARIJUANA. IT’S TIME FOR THE CITIZENS OF THIS STATE TO PUT IT TO A VOTE ONCE AND FOR ALL; IT’S UP TO THE PEOPLE, NOT THE GOVERNMENT. VOTE YES TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA, Lower the Crime rate, Prison Over-Crowding and Boost the Economy of Texas. If Marijuana is not legalized then, “Alcohol Should Not Be Legal.”
I work in a steel fab. factory makind light poles. I was burnt at work and forced to be drug tested. A positive for THC. My content of 248 is about to cost me a job that I have worked fo 19 years. I am an occasional smoker maybe a quarter bag every 2 weeks. I couldn’t even be prosecuted in my state for such small amounts. Yet my job can be taken away with no recourse. This is total bullshit. We need to change these outdated laws and screw corporate america and its insurance companies.
i have fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease and a torn and buldging disc. my hips go out of place and all this is causing pelvic pain and sharp shooting pains down my legs as well as bad circulation. i also have raynauds disease which is another poor circulation issue and my body especially hands and feet hurt so bad. with all this i also have insomnia and migraines almost on a daily basis. some days i cant get off the couch. ive been used as a guinea pig and i refuse to TRY any more meds. the only medication that has ever WORKED for me is MARIJUANA. i fully believe it is a NATURAL MEDICINE that has NO negative side effects, unlike anything you hear about on tv. every “prescribed medication” has horrible and sometimes fatal side effects but some how all that is ok because its “prescribed”. im tired of doctors taking chances w human life. its not right. we should have a RIGHT to use a natural healer. im sick of the govt telling me what i can or cant do in my home knowing damn well the govt is a bunch of closet junkies and alcoholics themselves as well as pervs!!! but thats all ok because they are the govt. im willing to fight!!!