Washington, DC: Members of the US House Appropriations Committee approved an amendment this week that seeks to clarify the Obama Administration’s policy toward medical marijuana patients and providers in states that have authorized the drug’s therapeutic use.
The amendment, sponsored by Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) as part of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies appropriations bill, reads: “There have been conflicting public reports about the Department’s (of Justice’s) enforcement of medical marijuana policies. Within 60 days of enactment, the Department shall provide to the Committee clarification of the Department’s policy regarding enforcement of federal laws and use of federal resources against individuals involved in medical marijuana activities.”
In March, US Attorney General Eric Holder stated that he would not authorize federal justice resources to target or prosecute medical cannabis users or providers that are compliant with state law. However, agents from the US Drug Enforcement Administration have continued to target medical marijuana providers in California and other states, and federal prosecutors have continued to bring federal anti-drug charges against defendants who were acting in accordance with their state’s cannabis laws.
“I’ve been greatly encouraged by what President Obama and Attorney General Holder’s public statements in support of state’s determining their own medical marijuana, but remain concerned about the matter since the federal government has still continued raids in states that permit the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes,” Rep. Hinchey said in a prepared statement. “This provision will provide Congress with the transparency we need to determine whether any further legislative action is needed. It’s imperative that the federal government respect states’ rights and stay out of the way of patients with debilitating diseases such as cancer who are using medical marijuana in accordance with state law to alleviate their pain.”
The full House is expected to consider the bill shortly.
For more information, please contact Keith Stroup, NORML Legal Counsel, at (202) 483-5500.