ommp pay it forward: Republican Controlled House Votes to Back State Medical Marijuana Laws

[OMMP PAY IT FORWARD 611]

By Associated Press

WASHINGTON, DC – The GOP-controlled House voted early Friday in favor of blocking the federal government from interfering with states that permit the use of medical marijuana.

The 219-189 vote came as the House debated a bill funding the Justice Department’s budget.

The amendment by conservative GOP Rep. Dana Rohrabacher of California – the first state to legalize medical marijuana – came as almost half the states have legalized marijuana for medical uses, such as improving the appetites of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

“Public opinion is shifting,” Rohrabacher said, noting a recent Pew Research Center poll that found 61 percent of Republicans support medical marijuana. The numbers are even higher for independents and Democrats.

“Despite this overwhelming shift of public opinion, the federal government continues its hard line of oppression against medical marijuana,” he said.

Oregon Democrat Earl Blumenauer told opponents that “this train has already left the station.”

“Congress is officially pulling out of the war on medical marijuana patients and providers,” said Dan Riffle, director of federal policies for the Marijuana Policy Project.

Opponents claim that marijuana is regulated too loosely by the states and harms the brain.

Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., cited a recent Drug Enforcement Administration study that said that many in the medical marijuana movement are using it as “a means to an end,” meaning legalization for recreational use.

The measure now heads to the Democratic Senate.

Republican Controlled House Votes to Back State Medical Marijuana Laws was written by Associated Press and appeared first on The Daily Chronic | The Daily Chronic - The Voice of the Reform Generation

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[Suzycrmcheese 1,811]

I was shocked and overjoyed to see the the Republican majority House passed this.  I hope the Senate does not let us down!!

 

Not sure how they can rationalize this WITHOUT rescheduling...that would be the huge victory, but I am encouraged!