Congressman Re-Introduces Bill to Protect State Medical Cannabis Laws
Photo by Gage Skidmore
Congressman Dana Rohrabacher has introduced legislation, H.R. 975, to the House of Representatives that would give states the right to regulate medical cannabis without federal government interference. The Respect State Marijuana Laws Act was introduced on February 7, 2016. The bill would exempt those who are working within their respective state medical cannabis laws from particular provisions of the Controlled Substances Act.
This isn’t the first time Rohrabacher has introduced this bill. Rohrabacher previously introduced The Respect State Marijuana Laws Act in both 2013 and again in 2015. Two years ago, Rohrabacher had 20 co-sponsors on the bill. This year, the bill has 12 co-sponsors in addition to Rep. Rohrabacher, which include Rep. Earl Blumenauer of Oregon and Rep. Barbara Lee of California, among others.
In a press release, Director of Federal Policies for Marijuana Policy Project, Robert Capecchi, commented on the bill. “This is commonsense legislation that is long overdue,” Capecchi said. “It is time to end marijuana prohibition at the federal level and give states the authority to determine their own policies.” Capecchi also stated that states are effectively regulating both medical and recreational cannabis, and federal funding should not be wasted trying to fight those who are in compliance with their local and state legislation.
If H.R. 975 does indeed become law, Capecchi believes it will strengthen public health and safety. “This legislation would ease the tension between state and federal laws to ensure these state-level reforms are successful,” Capecchi said. “It would also help states address the public health and safety priorities shared by state and federal authorities.”
With a majority of Americans believing that cannabis should be legalized, it is time for the federal government to meet the will of the people. In the words of Rep. Rohrabacher, who was sharing why he is an advocate for cannabis reform, “It’s time to recognize number one that people are free to do what they want . . . This is all about liberty; this is about freedom for me.”
