cannabisnews.com: House: Medical Marijuana a Federal Case





House: Medical Marijuana a Federal Case
Posted by CN Staff on June 15, 2005 at 13:13:09 PT
By Andrew Taylor, Associated Press Writer
Source: Associated Press
Washington, D.C. --  Yes, the government can make a federal case out of medical marijuana use, the House said Wednesday.Less than a week ago, the Supreme Court ruled that the government can medical marijuana users, even when state laws permit doctor-prescribed use of the drug. In response, the House rejected a bid by advocates to undercut the decision.
By a 264-161 vote, the House turned down an amendment that would have blocked the Justice Department from prosecuting people in the 10 states where the practice is legal.Advocates say it is the only way that many chronically ill people, such as AIDS and cancer patients, can relieve their symptoms."It is unconscionable that we in Congress could possibly presume to tell a patient that he or she cannot use the only medication that has proven to combat the pain and symptoms associated with a devastating illness," said Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-N.Y.Opponents of the amendment said it would undercut efforts to combat marijuana abuse. They said Marinol, a government-approved prescription drug that contains the active ingredient in marijuana, offers comparable relief."Marijuana has never been proven as safe and effective for any disease," said Rep. Mark Souder, R-Ind. "Marijuana can increase the risk of serious mental health problems, and in teens, marijuana use can lead to depression, thoughts of suicide, and schizophrenia."The vote came as the House debated a $57.5 billion bill covering the departments of Commerce, Justice and State.Proponents of medical marijuana had hoped to gain momentum following the high court's ruling. A poll commissioned by the Marijuana Policy Project found that respondents, by a 68-18 percent margin, believe that medical marijuana users should not face federal prosecution.The poll, conducted June 8-11 by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research, also found that 65 percent of those surveyed favored doctor-prescribed medical marijuana, with 20 percent opposed.A similar amendment last year was defeated by a comparable margin."A lot of these guys voting against it are just afraid because it's a 'drug issue,'" said Rep. Sam Farr, D-Calif.Separately, the House narrowly rejected an amendment to block restrictions on gift parcels shipped to Cuba.The 216-210 vote reversed a trend in recent years of rising sentiment in Congress in favor of relaxing penalties against Cuba. The House passed a similar amendment last year by a 221-194 vote.At issue are tighter restrictions imposed a year ago on package shipments, including those sent to Cubans by people in the U.S."We are not going to prop up the regime in Cuba by sending toothpaste and toilet paper," said Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz.According to a White House policy statement, "It is essential to maintain sanctions and travel restrictions to deny economic resources to the brutal" rule of President Fidel Castro.Source: Associated Press (Wire)Author:  Andrew Taylor, Associated Press WriterPublished: Wednesday, June 15, 2005Copyright: 2005 The Associated Press Related Articles:Measure Aims To Prevent Marijuana Prosecutionhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20858.shtmlMarijuana Backers Seek Support in Congresshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20854.shtmlMarijuana Proponents Seek House Vote Tuesdayhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20853.shtml 
Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help




Comment #13 posted by FoM on June 15, 2005 at 16:40:01 PT
ekim
It is good cake and thank you.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #12 posted by ekim on June 15, 2005 at 16:29:16 PT
                     mofkcits
man that cake looks good. all the best to two of the greatest
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #11 posted by FoM on June 15, 2005 at 16:05:59 PT
BGreen
Thank you. Gosh, I'll have to ask him I don't know. LOL!
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #10 posted by BGreen on June 15, 2005 at 16:03:22 PT
Thanks for sharing with us, FoM
How hard was it for Stick to explain the names "Stick" and "FoM" to the pastry chef? LOLI'm so happy for you two and I hope you have at least another 32 years together.The Reverend Bud Green
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #9 posted by Hope on June 15, 2005 at 15:28:26 PT
What they're trying to do is bury us.
What we keep doing is stepping up on top of what they dump on us. We're getting on up there!
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #8 posted by FoM on June 15, 2005 at 15:00:02 PT
Hope
Thank you. Good news would have been nice but I never expect it anymore! LOL!
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #7 posted by Hope on June 15, 2005 at 14:54:06 PT
Thirty two years!
That's an accomplishment! Congratulations.Wish all the news could have been good news on your special day.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #6 posted by FoM on June 15, 2005 at 14:49:09 PT
Hope and Everyone
Today is our 32 Wedding Anniversary and Stick got me a cake. You all are my friends and I want to share it with you. Now back to looking for news!
Wedding Anniversary Cake
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #5 posted by Hope on June 15, 2005 at 14:38:16 PT
Frustrated? 
Yes.Angry?Yes.Defeated? No way in hell!
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #4 posted by Taylor121 on June 15, 2005 at 13:44:40 PT
Exactly
"Yes I am frustrated. I'm frustrated because this shouldn't be an issue anymore."Exactly. I don't even see how this is an issue. I can't believe it actually is and we are losing to complete lies and bs. Vote out these lunies.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #3 posted by MikeC on June 15, 2005 at 13:44:08 PT
I agree...
With both of you. 80% of the country support Medical Marijuana...but a handfull of fatcats who probably have huge interest a pharmaceutical companies tell us NO!!!I'm mad!
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #2 posted by FoM on June 15, 2005 at 13:40:16 PT
Taylor
Yes I am frustrated. I'm frustrated because this shouldn't be an issue anymore.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #1 posted by Taylor121 on June 15, 2005 at 13:29:43 PT
Anyone else frustrated?
I knew it would fail but I was hoping for a larger increase in support. I'll have to see how my rep. voted. This is disgusting.
[ Post Comment ]


Post Comment