Marijuana: It’s Time for a Conversation
A top bill on WashingtonWatch.com this week is H.R. 5843, which would “remove federal penalties for the personal use of marijuana by responsible adults.” It’s gotten hundreds of comments over the last few months.
The terms of the bill are simple:
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no penalty may be imposed under an Act of Congress for the possession of marijuana for personal use, or for the not-for-profit transfer between adults of marijuana for personal use.
Possessing 100 grams or less of marijuana is presumed to be for personal use, as is not-for-profit transfer of one ounce or less. Public use of marijuana could be penalized up to $100.
Yesterday, I came across a very interesting Web site, with a very interesting video about marijuana criminalization. It’s called MarijuanaConversation.org.
Why is the video so interesting? Because it’s hosted by Rick Steves! Yes, that Rick Steves! The quirky travel documentary guy from PBS!
It’s worth having a conversation about marijuana criminalization. We spend a lot of money on law enforcement and a lot of money imprisoning people for possession crimes. We also give up a lot of liberties – law-abiding citizens do – because of the difficulty law enforcement has enforcing drug crimes.
That’s not the only consideration, of course. Drugs do a lot of harm, and this video does not present the pro-criminalization side. So let’s have that conversation – especially if you disagree with the video and disagree with the vote on H.R. 5843.
You can start by voting, commenting, learning more, or editing the wiki article on H.R. 5843.
Demetro Perry
This bill is a long time coming. I have been an avid smoker since my teens and been arrested countless times for possession.It’s about time the government realized that they can’t govern a responsible adults right to choose. I choose therefore I do. Hope the policy passes and frees all adult smokers from the threat of arrest. Arresting us will not make marijuana go away!!!
Donald B Parsons
I hope that President Obama , (personal feelings aside), insists that the Department of Justice reclassify cannabis from Schedule 1 to at least Schedule 2 so WHAT WE ALREADY KNOW TO BE TRUE can be verified that MEDICINAL EFFICACY DOES EXIST. STOP THE MADNESS, The “REEFER MADNESS” that is. ENOUGH is ENOUGH already, how many more BILLIONS of OUR tax dollars need to be wasted on this perpetual war on marijuana that has done NOTHING to stop supply and DEMAND. Mr. Obama doesn’t have to state for or against he just needs to leave it to the states to decide their fate. I also hope that President Obama listens to his late idol Mr. Lincoln when it comes to Prohibition.
mike G
I’d say the poll speaks for itself, 97% for decriminalzation. I know there are many reasons to keep the laws as is, like keeping those prisons populated, and keeping our police active, not to mention keeping the current industry leaders on top. Gotta know where the bucks coming from. But, time passes and laws become outdated. Look at the time this law became law. It was a time of corruption and this law was in total support of that. We need a change, we voted for change, we want a change!
joey
i agree with this all the way now i see whats happening to people who can have it legaly in state. but not federally, i dont think inoccent people should pay for a technacallity. i was sceptical at first i mean i dont mind marijuana but we have to think of the effects on society. but i have done reseach on the drug and found out that its prohibited bcuz of personal agenda instead of scientific fact. i have studdied many resources on the drug (even the govt reports. i found they are one sided.) the others i seen the good and bad, i dont see it is not a big threat. better for you than all the others illegal and legal. persciptions i dont think they are as safe as they say. i have used b4 and i didnt have an episode w/o it like cigs. i did get tired of it though thats why i no longer partake. that and kid wife work. in feel if people get addicted to it they can easily get off it if they want