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H.R. 5843, The Act to Remove Federal Penalties for the Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults (482 comments ↓ | 6 wiki edits)
- This item is from the 110th Congress (2007-2008) and is no longer current. Comments, voting, and wiki editing have been disabled, and the cost/savings estimate has been frozen.
H.R. 5843 would eliminate most Federal penalties for possession of marijuana for personal use.
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Visitor Comments 
Arpafa
April 27, 2008, 10:53am (report abuse)Anyone who honestly thinks that marijuana even comes CLOSE to being as harmful as alcohol has absolutely no idea what he or she is talking about.
NONE.
Curt
April 27, 2008, 10:57am (report abuse)This bill is a step in the right direction but it does not go far enough. Sales would still be criminalized. As far as I'm concerned we need a constitutional amendment that congress shall pass no law infringing on what a person does at home when it does not interfere with the rights of another citizen.
THE DUDE
April 27, 2008, 11:13am (report abuse)It is a failure of our system that in a time like this, we continue to arrest, prosecute & jail users of a drug that has had no recorded deaths; while alcohol takes the lives of thousands every year. Stop jailing and making criminals out of normal people like me, and my parents and everyone i know in LA
J
April 27, 2008, 11:17am (report abuse)I cant say anything more than, what John said. It's about time.
Jonathan
April 27, 2008, 11:33am (report abuse)While, I am not an advocate for pot. I do believe that legalization is good way to make revenue than take money away from tax payers. The United States currently has the largest prison population in the world most due to minor felonies AKA drugs. If we were to remove such penalties and we could save billions of dollars in tax money and make capital on taxing the product for those who wish to partake. I also believe that it would lessen crime due to the fact that most gang activity is funded by drug running. You have to think of it like prohibition times. Do you see organized crime today because of alcohol?
DJD
April 27, 2008, 11:52am (report abuse)Sadly, although it makes complete sense to change this outdated law, it is far easier for all these folks (probably born before 1970) to simply let things stay the way they are and not accept something like this. Once they are replaced with the next 'generation' of government officials who don't really remember owning a black/white only television.
Cathy
April 27, 2008, 11:59am (report abuse)Bravo!! Its about we took a step forward. Its a baby step but thats OK. If marajuana was regulated like tobacco and alcohol we could put all that (illegal) money back into our hurting economy. Again, BRAVO!!
Ymeg
April 27, 2008, 12:01pm (report abuse)This should not be regarded as a health problem; that is not the government's concern.
This should be regarded as a question of liberty. You mind is like a nation that you control. You have the right to do whatever you like to that nation--as long as you don't hurt others.
Kat
April 27, 2008, 12:10pm (report abuse)I can't believe we are such a weak people that we find it so hard to stand up to the powers that be that we can't seem to come to a sane way of dealing with such a peaceful dilemma. Almost everyone I know smokes. From Dr.s to lawyers to judges to cops and the list is endless. Isn't it about time we toughen up and speak the truth about a beneficial herb that keeps many people from becoming the nuts they would be if they didn't utilize the calming effects of pot?
Corey
April 27, 2008, 12:13pm (report abuse)Two facts about America.
1) America has the highest percentage of its population in prison in the WORLD.
2) A majority (greater than 50%) of those people in jail have drug related sentence.
Its about time we try to fix this.
Dan
April 27, 2008, 12:15pm (report abuse)Everything's so damn backwards concerning American drug policy. This will not pass; I'm guessing 2015 at least before anything changes.
Joe
April 27, 2008, 12:19pm (report abuse)Look at all these people for this bill...it's crazy how this many people are for it, if anyone takes anything out of this comment section is that not everyone in America thinks marijuana is bad.
DANieL
April 27, 2008, 12:34pm (report abuse)"Make the most you can of the Indian Hemp seed and sow it everywhere."
-President George Washington, 1794
About time.
Derek
April 27, 2008, 12:47pm (report abuse)Haha I doubt this will happen but I'm really hoping for it...I'm 19 and have been smoking for three years. The ONLY time I've ever been in trouble with the law was for possesion...that and underage drinking but yeah it was all at the same time..And I mean ONLY time I've never even got a parking or speeding ticket...But luckily i was found not guilty in court..thank god. But yeah write a automated letter to your states representative here
http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=11280301&type=CO
Good day,
Britt
April 27, 2008, 1:04pm (report abuse)Hopefully this can lead to more hemp products that can save our economy. We can have cheaper paper products, material, and a new alternative fuel source. What an amazing plant!
Anonymous
April 27, 2008, 1:05pm (report abuse)An excellent proposal, but may I ask what is the cutoff age for "Responsible adults?"
Billy
April 27, 2008, 1:23pm (report abuse)I don't smoke weed, and haven't since high school, and I totally support this bill. States' rights! There will be states that ban it and states that legalize it.
Also, when are we going to address the invasion of privacy involved when a company can choose to not hire you or fire you based on something you do on the weekend if it in no way effects your work performance? If you take a vacation to Amsterdam on Saturday, and are drug tested at work a week later, and fail, they can fire you or force you into rehab! But the drunk who gets plastered every night has no evidence in his piss when he gets to work the next day so that's fine?
Sean
April 27, 2008, 1:47pm (report abuse)We can't forget.
Our founding fathers who wrote the constitution giving us rights, smoked more or less grew pot (George Washington), why oppose something they think is right?
No one is hurting anyone doing this. IT expands the mind and thought process. I have been exposed and realized soo much while under the influence of pot. No one on the drug is harming anyone. And before you oppose this more, I garuntee you 9/10 people that prepare your food at a food service industry, do or have smoked pot in the last 72 hours. So before you piss them off, think about making it a bit easier for them, and maybe they get your order wrong on purpose for pushing something they do for leisure away.
jd
April 27, 2008, 1:59pm (report abuse)marijuana should not be a criminal issue if anything it is more of a health issue but is still alot less harmful than alcohol and tobacco which are legal for peope over 21 and 18 which marijuana should be just like tobacco at 18+
Anon
April 27, 2008, 2:10pm (report abuse)Alcohol is more dangerous than marijuana is.
The above poster who related to this cocaine is very much off base. A lot of the problem surrounding marijuana and its legalization arises from being uneducated.
Marijuana is never going to go away and it is important to realize that at this point legalization is the best solution.
All of the money which goes into drug dealers/large smuggling circles hands can go to the government for help with (hopefully someday) national health care, our crappy education system, supporting libraries, and police, firefighters, etc etc...
Instead of going into tax evasive dealers hands and even ultimately to other countries.
I am not sure how anyone could see this money going to the American government as bad. Marijuana use will continue to happen -- you might as well have a better social environment from it. The only thing that will change ultimately is better social services for everyone.
Wesley
April 27, 2008, 2:13pm (report abuse)This is a great bill. We need to stop arresting responsible adults who choose to use cannabis in their own homes. Some adults like to use cannabis over alcohol that does not constitute labeling them as criminals.
Why it won't, but I want it to
April 27, 2008, 2:19pm (report abuse)I don't if this has been said, but look at who funds a lot of our officials, oil companies, pharmaceutical companies, steel industry, and on and on..... These industries will take a huge drop in profit if marijuana was ever legalized. Hemp can be used as a renewable energy soruce, Hemp makes better paper, Marijuana can be used in stead of asprin, and again on and on...
These industries have the power (and by power i mean money) to influence who gets in office. I love smoking pot. I agree with most things said on here in support of it. We are rather passionate about this. Cut down some smoking and donate to NORML so we can see results
The Golden Rule
"He who has the gold, makes the Rule"
shanicee
April 27, 2008, 2:21pm (report abuse)if this bill pass's i think that would be great, for me personally but for all the pot smokers out there, and there is A LOT of em!
Dan
April 27, 2008, 2:42pm (report abuse)I wish this would pass...so many innocent peaceful pot smokers being thrown in jail for nothing. We could use this tax money to get this country out of debt and to jump start our slowing economy
Paul
April 27, 2008, 2:46pm (report abuse)If you truly want this to go forward, then immediately contact your congressman and senator. Voice your support, and make sure they know that pot is not an addictive substance and that pot could be America's #1 cash crop!
@ Billy
April 27, 2008, 2:49pm (report abuse)Companies have an absolute right to discriminate against who they hire based on their weekend activities or drug use. They have the prerogative to select the best of the best as employees and at the present time, I don't think any employer would want an employee who had a chance of being arrested because he got caught with weed on the weekend..that would reflect on the company.
Odinsyeti
April 27, 2008, 3:18pm (report abuse)Just in case you missed Smitty's post above, please go back and find it. He has the key to this success.
Do the same things he suggests at the state level starting NOW! Even if the federal law doesn't pass right away, this is the first time I know that the Fed has even come close to this in many years.
If at first it doesn't succeed, continue to e-mail. Remember that their JOBS not their MONEY count on us voting for them.
They want their jobs so they can CONTINUE to have money and power (it feels really good apparently)
We are their managers! Tell them to stop burning the French fries or they'll be fired!
Astre
April 27, 2008, 3:25pm (report abuse)I think it's ridiculous that anyone have any laws against nature, i.e. marijuana, mushrooms containing psylocibin. Salvia might be next on the list. No one is going to want to drive a vehicle inebriated... Like people say, it WILL be good for the economy, and all these people aren't criminals. They're only criminals because the gov. made it illegal, they aren't bad people at all.
support
April 27, 2008, 3:27pm (report abuse)Land of the free is a catch fraise that only the rich are allowed. The criminalization of marijuana was a racist law only put in place to attempt to control people. The brain washing of America to believe something is dangerous when no proof can be shown leads the “Americans are smarter than that” argument fall flat on its face. America is paying for and will continue to pay for the mistakes of power grabbing elite until the country fall’s apart. Legalization will not fix the mistakes of the past but may finally remind people that the government LIES to the people to control them. I have heard just say no my entire life and have yet to hear what the danger is. I’m still waiting for that answer.
@ @ billy
April 27, 2008, 3:36pm (report abuse)That's not true. You are in fact saying you are your job and your job is you. What you do off time is the same as what you do on time at a job. By saying "Companies have an absolute right to discriminate against who they hire based on their weekend activities or drug use." I'm sure most companies can find people with in it's own current structure that partake in drugs, alcohol (which is MUCH worse for you than Marijuana as you can DIE from it). Then from there it's a slippery slope of "Well we here at [company x] don't agree with homosexuality and because you are gay we can not hire you into this company" When you aren't at work and not being paid guess what? You are on YOUR time, your time to do whatever you want. And in all actuality 'work time' is still your time, you choose to work at [company z]. Saying companies shouldn't hire you because of your personal activities is the same as shoving their morals down your throat.
Natedawg
April 27, 2008, 3:43pm (report abuse)I totally support this measure. I also think it is kind of tongue in cheek because although it will be legal to have a certain amount, it is still illegal to buy it. So every time I go to get weed, my dealer will have to "give" me the weed if a cop asks, and obviously no one is ever gonna "give" me weed so the cop can automatically assume that I bought it, thereby committing a crime.
Knight of the Cannabis Crusade
April 27, 2008, 3:44pm (report abuse)Make your voices heard! Legalize it!
Mike Anderson
April 27, 2008, 3:51pm (report abuse)The polls show that the people want this passed but my question is why will it not get passed?
for real
April 27, 2008, 4:12pm (report abuse)Legalization and taxation are good.
What the opponents of legalizing pot say is that it breeds "criminals". Have they ever seen anyone smoked up before? The most criminal thing someone who smokes weed does is eat the whole bag of doritos and giggle about it.
Educate yourself
April 27, 2008, 4:27pm (report abuse)I suggest all of those opposed to this bill consider taking a look at economies where the legalization of marijuana is a very real thing. Get back to us when youve come to a rational decision.
Listen to Smitty
April 27, 2008, 4:30pm (report abuse)Smitty -
Here’s what you can do to help move this legislation along…
Contact your House representative:
https://forms.house.gov/wyr/welcome.shtml
Contact the Speaker of the House – Nancy Pelosi:
http://www.speaker.gov/
Contact the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee – John Conyers:
http://judiciary.house.gov/contact.aspx
Contact Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee – John Dingle
http://energycommerce.house.gov/membios/contact_form.shtml
Email all your friends and ask them to do the same thing. Use the tools on this site.
Tyler
April 27, 2008, 4:31pm (report abuse)Start using hemp. It will end our dependency on china. It was the number one cash crop in the past. It is more durable than cotton as a fabric and can be made into basically anything. It can grow under harsher conditions, also. As for marijuana, why should someone in a free country be told what they can and cant do if as they are causing no harm to others or others property?
!!!!
April 27, 2008, 4:32pm (report abuse)The argument against legalization that goes: the taxation will suffer because its so easy to grow, is preposterous. First of all, marijuana is not easy to grow, it takes patience, ALOT of money, and its really easy to screw up. Secondly, you could use that argument for alcohol as well... We COULD brew our own beer and alcohol, but the professionals can do it much better. The same can be said about marijuana, yes you can grow it, but by leaving it to the government, they can use much better lights, nutrients, get stronger strains, and it will be MUCH cheaper, faster, more efficent.
I am all about the legalization of marijuana, I sincerely hope it happens sometime during my lifetime.
Matt
April 27, 2008, 4:33pm (report abuse)Although I support this bill and I very much hope it is passed, I am concerned it will not pass with the current text stating that up to 100 grams is for personal use. Anybody with a basic knowledge of marijuana use knows that nobody with 3.5 ounces on them is carrying it for "personal use" and I am afraid the house will see this the same way.
Anderson
April 27, 2008, 4:40pm (report abuse)it's not going to happen. as long as it gets you high, there isn't even a remote chance of this bill passing. don't get me wrong, im a frequent user, and i love the plant but i know it's not going to happen.
just eat edibles!
!!!!
April 27, 2008, 4:46pm (report abuse)The reason why marijuana wont be legalized is because its NOT an addictive substance, thus cannot be monopolized. Our government wants nothing to do with it.
marijuana
April 27, 2008, 4:50pm (report abuse)i would like to add that, contrary to what most people expect, people DO go to work or school under the influence. it happens everywhere. maybe its illegal not because its harmful but because itll make everyone in the nation super lazy.
reducing the punishment to something like a pay-off ticket is acceptable, but misdemeanor and sometimes jail time is too much.
but then again, what are the chances?
Kennedy
April 27, 2008, 4:50pm (report abuse)Cannabis in general could be the shot in the arm that this economy needs.
The benefits of renewable oil and cellulose-based materials from the non-psychoactive strains could help offset the tragic avalanche of lives, funds, and our food supply, i.e., soldiers, military spending, and corn-based ethanol.
Pair the benefits with some of the mind-expanding qualities of the "drug", and we might be able to push past this 8-year nightmare.
baller
April 27, 2008, 5:01pm (report abuse)its a harmless substance that is not linked in any way to any other drugs- do some other drugs and you'll know this. pot should be legal for all our brothers and sisters to grow for ourselves tax free, because it is our right. don't you think owning a gun is more dangerous- you can actually kill someone with a gun. why does it even need to be an issue anymore? why does anyone care? if we all do it why cant we just band together and get this done so that we can stop paying petty tickets.if you don't like pot then don't do it, but don't make it an issue about the money, the only reason that it is not legal is because the government cannot find a good way of taxing it to make more revenue than by keeping it illegal because people can grow their own. in essence its only still illegal because uncle sam cant come up with a way to make more money off it than now. jah rastafari.
Agree but will it happen?
April 27, 2008, 5:27pm (report abuse)Politicians are the ones who have to vote for this, and let's face it. They don't really care about facts. They don't want this to run around their next campaign on commercials... "Senator Blah voted to let drugs stay on our streets!" I mean, they'll spin this however they want. I don't smoke pot, I don't drink, I don't smoke cigs or do any kind of drugs whatsoever. However, I'm for legalization of pot because I'm for personal freedom, honestly, and pot is the least likely to cause real problems. Debate as much as you like, but reefer mania is BS.
To: john is dumb
April 27, 2008, 5:54pm (report abuse)Actually, when you compare the cultivation of pot versus tobacco, pot is way easier. Tobacco takes a very long time to grow to a full size then another long period of drying. Compared to pot, the easiest plant to grow there is.
Evan
April 27, 2008, 6:21pm (report abuse)@Matt
Some people have 100g for personal use. Those people have a lot of friends or a lot of books.
RevRayGreen
April 27, 2008, 6:52pm (report abuse)RESCHEDULE RELEGALIZE END INCARCERATION GLOBAL MARIJUANA MARCH 2008 MAY 3 - OVER 200+cities WORLDWIDE !!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ofEqvUQnWs
Lets see
April 27, 2008, 8:32pm (report abuse)I was recently invited to the Phi Theta Kappa honors society for keeping up a GPA of over 3.8 during my senior year of high school and freshman year of college (which I am currently in).
I have recieved multiple honors and excellence awards, and received scholarships amounting over $20,000 for colleges.
I own my own business, I am my own boss.
Yet, those hilarious "Above the Influence" and "Truth" campaigns outline me as someone who cannot make their own decisions in life, ranging from their looks to who they are as a person. Apparently, if you smoke mariajuana, your life goes down the drain, your car explodes, and you lose all your real friends.
End the bullsh*t. Legalize it.
Decriminalization
April 27, 2008, 8:44pm (report abuse)This bill decriminalizes marijuana on the Federal level only. Its by no stretch of the imagination "legalization". Hopefully its a step toward legalization though.
Sean
April 27, 2008, 8:48pm (report abuse)Raiding the dispensaries and arresting medical users and growers is doing nothing but keeping the medicine away from people who are truly suffering and need cannabis.
Time for change is now.
Adam
April 27, 2008, 8:58pm (report abuse)I certainly hope the penalties are removed. I look forward to the day tat it's legal to use hemp and marijuana.
Mike
April 27, 2008, 9:03pm (report abuse)A step in the right direction.
Write your state rep / congressmen
President Bush
April 27, 2008, 9:20pm (report abuse)Ive got your back guys, i toke, i just didnt want cheney to know
Matt
April 27, 2008, 9:44pm (report abuse)This is the first time in 24 years that this type of legislation has been brought forth in our Congress.
We as Americans, and all of mankind, have a right of Freedom to make choices, whether good or bad, as long as they do not infringe on those of others. America was built on the foundation of a Free Society. This bill is not to condone activities that are viewed as "bad" but more so give adults the FREEDOM to make their choice as long as they are not harming others in the process.
Stand up for our rights as Americans. Stand up for America, and the principles of FREE SOCIETY. Take our country back. SPEAK UP!
"criminalizing choices that adults make because we think they are unwise ones, when the choices involved have no negative effect on the rights of others, is not appropriate in a free society."
-Barney Frank, Congressman, 4th District, Massachusetts.
SPEAK UP and BE HEARD!
http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=11280301&type=CO
Stan
April 27, 2008, 10:01pm (report abuse)It will fail, guaranteed, nice "feel good" legislation, but it would probably be political suicide to vote for it.
Keaton
April 27, 2008, 10:24pm (report abuse)The pass of this bill will, in the long run, decrease crime and will lower taxes. It will stop from the building of new prisons and the money to keep them fed and sheltered. Only positive things can come from the passage of this bill.
Raintree
April 27, 2008, 11:24pm (report abuse)Ron Paul is a hero to this country and it's too bad he's loosing out to that senile McCain. Barak Obama will do wonders though! he wants to decriminalize marijuana too. Alcohol is far worse for you and worse for those around you than Pot will ever be!! Those against this bill have no idea what they are talking about.
RevRayGreen
April 27, 2008, 11:28pm (report abuse)political suicide for who ?
I want more candidates running under the platform of cannabis law reform.
progress, progress, yes
April 27, 2008, 11:31pm (report abuse)seriously. we're living in progressive times, lets make some progress happen. it will be good for all.
Wingo
April 27, 2008, 11:50pm (report abuse)Personally I don't smoke pot anymore, my own choice. The penalties for smoking weed are grossly exaggerated. Yes, legalize the stuff and get the tax dollars, it will generate billions for the USA.
Jasper
April 28, 2008, 12:15am (report abuse)For those who think passing this bill would mean the gov't advocates or condones the usage of cannabis: Look at alcohol and nicotine, they are legal yet the government does not condone or advocate their usage and in fact there is a large number of people on both sides of the issue for or against their usage.
The real reason its not legal or decriminalized: Not enough people have stood up and said
"THIS IS STUPID!!
I WANT CANNABIS HEMP LEGAL!!!
FOR PRODUCTS;
FOR MEDICINE;
FOR FOOD;
FOR FUN;
FOR GOODNESS'S SAKE! ISN'T THAT WHAT LIFE'S ALL ABOUT ?!''
Educate yourselves, people. Another little bit of truth: The only ones against it are the ones relying on hearsay and widely accepted falsities! They haven't done THEIR research; do YOURS and try changing THEIR minds!
Do your part!
April 28, 2008, 12:19am (report abuse)Let your voice be heard! E-mail your rep and tell him to support this. Send this to all your friends who feel the same way and tell them to do the same! Post this on the forums you visit to get the word out about this bill! We have to take a stand and the time is now!
joe snakes
April 28, 2008, 12:37am (report abuse)yes so i just wrote my state rep thanks to the Andrew guy
raintree
April 28, 2008, 12:40am (report abuse)You are guaranteed that the representative's office will read the letter if you FAX it. Don't email it, it'll get deleted like all the other white House emails!! FAX YOUR LETTER!!!
Tom E. Canavan
April 28, 2008, 7:11am (report abuse)It is time to finally use reason when it comes to the marijuana laws. Tobacco and alcohol both kill. There are no two ways about that. Then why is a benign plant, which has never caused a death in recorded time,illegal,and its users turned into criminals? I don't care for alcohol or tobacco. I like to relax with a joint. What the hell is so wrong with that? Use your head.
Donald B Parsons
April 28, 2008, 7:36am (report abuse)I tried to post yesterday but had trouble so I'm going to see how this morning goes before I type too much
Donald B Parsons
April 28, 2008, 7:41am (report abuse)I have contacted all my reps and then some. through capwiz.org and many other sites. I have written to MANY including the President,all 3 of the Presidetial candidates and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi(D) Calif.
Donald B Parsons
April 28, 2008, 7:47am (report abuse)While you are all writing to your reps. you can also ask them to support H.B.5842 which is a separate bill more along the decrim/medical side of the issue so for those that are not onboard with the legalization of 100 grams at least see if they support the sick and dying that I am HIDING behind (according to some prohibitionists.)
Donald B Parsons
April 28, 2008, 7:53am (report abuse)I would be going,( and even got time off of work to go) to the Global March on May 3rd but with the price of gas, just don't know if I can justify the 200 mile round trip.
Donald B Parsons
April 28, 2008, 8:08am (report abuse)I FEEL ALL ALONE!!!
Hellllloooooooooooooo......
I waited too long to post, everyone has moved on. My loss though, but I'll see some of you on other posts.....
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