Federal Marijuana decriminalization bill introduced

[BLOOD SWEAT STEEL]

NORML Federal Decriminalization Bill Introduced -- Bill Would End Federal Authority to Arrest Adults for Pot Possession

April 17, 2008 - Washington, DC, USA

Washington, DC: US Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) introduced legislation in Congress today to strip the federal government of its authority to arrest responsible adult cannabis consumers. The measure, H.R. 5843, known as an “Act to Remove Federal Penalties for Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults,” is the first federal decriminalization legislation introduced in 24 years.

“It's time for the politicians to catch up with the public on this [issue],” Frank said. "The notion that you lock people up for smoking marijuana is pretty silly."

Frank's pending bill, co-sponsored by presidential candidate Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), seeks to eliminate all federal penalties prohibiting the personal use and possession of up to 100 grams (3 1/2 ounces) of marijuana. Under this measure, adults who consume cannabis would no longer face arrest, prison, or even the threat of a civil fine. The bill also eliminates all penalties for the not-for-profit transfers of up to one ounce of pot.

NORML Legal Counsel Keith Stroup, who worked closely with Frank's staff to draft this legislation, said, "If passed by Congress, this legislation would legalize the possession, use, and non-profit transfer of marijuana by adults for the first time since 1937." The bill incorporates the basic recommendations of the National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse (also known as the Shafer Commission).

Currently, twelve states have enacted various versions of marijuana decriminalization, eliminating criminal penalties for minor pot violations. According to federal data, passage of these laws has not subsequently led to increased marijuana use.

“This newly introduced legislation seeks to bring the federal government into line with the over 100 million Americans who currently live in a state or municipality that has already decriminalized cannabis possession,” NORML Executive Director Allen St. Pierre said today. “This year, the masses in the U.S. celebrating 4/20 really have something to rejoice, and to now lobby for.”

Similar statewide legislation is pending in New Hampshire and Vermont. Additionally, Massachusetts voters will decide on a statewide decriminalization measure this November.

According to a nationwide CNN/Time Magazine poll, more than three-quarters of American adults favor decriminalizing marijuana.

For more information, please contact Keith Stroup, NORML Legal Counsel, at (202) 483-5500. Supporters can write their Representatives in favor of this bill at: http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/aler...280301&type=CO

[Skijunkie]

“It's time for the politicians to catch up with the public on this issue,” Frank said. "The notion that you lock people up for smoking marijuana is pretty silly."

Not to mention an expensive wast of tax payers $$$$$$$, especially when the get locked up! Its about time I sure hope the bill passes!

[flyby]

I'm all for this, but going from illegal to 3 1/2 ounces is a bit of a stretch.

[Nathan Explosion]

I'm all for this, but going from illegal to 3 1/2 ounces is a bit of a stretch.

If you haven't got at least 7, you're still a wuss.

[iscariot]

Election year...It'll die fast and quiet.

[Skijunkie]

Election year...It'll die fast and quiet.

isn't that the truth

[Buke Skywalker]

Twelve other states with similar legislation, though!!

Gay marriage is a lot more taboo and seems to have caught on pretty quickly in non-rectangular states.

(No offense to the Colorado mags or nuthin')

[skibuminwyo]

Oh please, oh please, oh please. Now they just need to come up with a good way to test for it, aside from the bullshit they have now. Just because I may have puffed a week ago, doesn't mean I show up to work high.


What the hell? I post the video thing right, and it doesn't work..... shit, it did when I put it there.

Linky: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoR9dRij_lg

[iceman]

Election year...It'll die fast and quiet.

Maybe.

Hey i see you're an M.D., I have this pain in my abdomen, it generally only happens when people post kneejerk posts, but could you maybe check it out for me? I don't want to pay for it.

[Cono Este]

In case the Pope's schedule is allready full and does not have a chance to bless this bill.

En el nombre del Padre y el Espiritu Santo, Ahmen.

[Benny Profane]

He's leering at the hot young American cardinals, and ordering up some more wine.

I have to pee in a cup soon, with ample warning. Damn, my skin itches.

[fish]

There's hope yet

[splat]

Maybe.

Hey i see you're an M.D., I have this pain in my abdomen, it generally only happens when people post kneejerk posts, but could you maybe check it out for me? I don't want to pay for it.

I'm sorry, but an abhominal pain is one year in prison, $50K to an attorney, and the perceived necessity to hire five more cops, ten more prosecutors and three more judges to handle crimes that shouldn't be crimes.

[skibuminwyo]

^^^ Hehehehe. Hey, splat, sorry I never could get anything lined out this winter... need summer help?

[schindlerpiste]

I HAD A DREAM....that one day, citizens of this great nation, could pull into a 7-11 and buy a pack of joints, or a lid and a pack of Randy InstaRoaches.

...panama red; maui wowi, thai sticks, jamaican skunk, acapulco gold, Humbolt's finest sensimilla. Everything to choose from.

The sign on the front door will read "...no stems, no seeds; nothing we don't need; acapulco gold [brisk inhale] Bad Ass Weed"

[Cono Este]

No mention of home growing small amounts for personal, private use. That should be the first step.

I think even during prohibition you could make small amounts at home.

[fish]

It'd sure as hell be a lot cheaper too

[Lonnie]

Not that I par-take anymore, but I've always loved this one too...

[2Planker]

Bump for the Holiday

[mmmm...pow!]

Not gonna happen. Locking people up is big business, and our gov't loves big business. We can't even legalize hemp, which would solve many of our environmental problems and give farmers a crop to grow instead of being subsidized to burn their crops. Happy Holiday, though!

[freezorburn]

Election year...It'll die fast and quiet.

isn't that the truth

True, Unfortunatly this is exactly what will happen. I used it in College and I didn't fail out or become a drug-gy. Liquer is FAR,FAR wost IMO.

Now I'm 35 have 2 kids,A wife and I might try it again if someone lightes up in the gondola.

[Cliff Huckable]

Election year...It'll die fast and quiet.

isn't that the truth

While your cynicism may be warranted, there's another, much more powerful, much worse reason it ain't gonna happen in the USA:

Not gonna happen. Locking people up is big business, and our gov't loves big business. We can't even legalize hemp, which would solve many of our environmental problems and give farmers a crop to grow instead of being subsidized to burn their crops. Happy Holiday, though!

Exactly right. For-profit prisons are a cancer to a free society.






And yeah, hemp would be great - blame the cotton industry for keeping hemp out of your hands.

[Gordyman]

Not gonna happen. Locking people up is big business, and our gov't loves big business. We can't even legalize hemp, which would solve many of our environmental problems and give farmers a crop to grow instead of being subsidized to burn their crops. Happy Holiday, though!

This thread is depressing the fuck out of me. I could really use a huge bong hit. Every day for the rest of my life.

I'm a nice happy person when I'm high. Not to be confused with shiny happy people.

[Buster Highmen]

Thanks for the heads up. Congressperson emailed.

[skifishbum]