cannabisnews.com: CA Medical Pot Bill Opposed by Feds! CA Medical Pot Bill Opposed by Feds! Posted by FoM on July 20, 1999 at 18:08:55 PT Source: Excite News WASHINGTON, July 20 (UPI) Federal regulators who have fought Calfornia's medical marijuana law are now objecting to state legislation to improve and implement it. The Office of National Drug Control Policy declared its opposition today to a bill by Sen. John Vasconcellos, D-Santa Clara, that would set up a statewide registration system for Proposition 215 and control distribution of the drug. The use of marijuana to relieve effects of cancer-fighting drugs and help with other ailments is authorized under the initiative that voters approved in 1996, but which conflicts with federal law. Federal restrictions, drafting problems in Proposition 215 and the resistance of law enforcement officers prompted state Attorney General Bill Lockyer to form a 29-member task force on the issue. Recommendations from that group were placed in a Vasconcellos bill that cleared the Assembly Health Committee last week on a 9-3 vote. In response, the U.S. drug czar's office today urged continued "strict restriction" of marijuana since the drug is illegal under federal law "to cultivate, possess or use." Rand Martin, a spokesman for Vasconcellos, says federal opposition isn't likely to affect the bill's prospects as it moves through the Legislature. Vasconcellos also is advancing a companion bill that would earmark $1 million for a comprehensive study of the effectiveness of marijuana for medical use. Updated 6:02 PM ET July 20, 1999 Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #3 posted by Santor on July 20, 1999 at 19:50:43 PT Growing Actually, it's only illegal to cultivate for purposes of sale or distribution, not for personal use. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by Santor on July 20, 1999 at 19:50:24 PT Growing Actually, it's only illegal to cultivate for purposes of sale or distribution, not for personal use. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by FoM on July 20, 1999 at 18:11:51 PT: CA Medical Pot Bill Opposed by Feds! Here's the direct link to the article above. CA Medical Pot Bill Opposed by Feds! [ Post Comment ] Post Comment Name: Optional Password: E-Mail: Subject: Comment: [Please refrain from using profanity in your message] Link URL: Link Title: