OK, I sent it to my Congressman & here's what I got back.
I can't really decide if he's "for" it or "against" it, but his stance on States rights in on the money in my book.
Dear Mr. Xxxxxxxxxxx,
Thank you for contacting me regarding legalizing medical marijuana. I appreciate having the benefit of your thoughts.
As you may know, on May 25, 2011, several Members of Congress introduced a set of bills intended to legalize medical marijuana. Representative Barney Frank (D-MA) introduced H.R. 1983, the States' Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act, which would legalize medical marijuana in states that already permit the practice. H.R. 1983 has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Representative Jared Polis (D-CO) introduced H.R. 1984, the Small Business Banking Improvement Act of 2011, which would permit financial institutions to do business with medical marijuana providers. H.R. 1984 has been referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA) introduced H.R. 1985, the Small Business Tax Equity Act of 2011, which allows tax deductions for businesses selling medical marijuana. H.R. 1985 has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. These three bills represent a dramatic change to drug policy in the United States.
Currently, marijuana and its derivatives are classified under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), the most restrictive of five categories. Schedule I substances are defined as drugs with a high potential for abuse that have no recognized medicinal value. Other Schedule I substances include heroin, LSD, mescaline, peyote, and psilocybin. Schedule II substances are defined as drugs with a high potential for abuse with recognized medical uses, such as opium, cocaine, and amphetamine.
The preliminary evidence suggests that certain components of marijuana may be beneficial to individuals suffering from a variety of ailments. However, further tests must continue before results are considered conclusive. Regardless, I strongly support every state's right to decide if medical marijuana is permitted in their borders.
As you may know, Alaska voters approved a ballot measure in 1998 allowing medical marijuana use. Under state law, medical marijuana patients must register with the state and can only do so with a doctor's note asserting the person has been diagnosed with a debilitating medical condition that medical marijuana could help. The patient can register up to two qualified caregivers who would also be exempt from prosecution for marijuana possession in approved circumstances. The law prohibits medical marijuana use in public and in a way that endangers anyone else. Should any legislation aforementioned come to the House floor for a vote, rest assured I will keep your thoughts in mind.
Once again, thank you for expressing your views on this issue. If you haven't already, I would encourage you to sign up for my e-newsletter at http://donyoung.house.gov/IMA/issue_subscribe.htm and my YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=RepDonYoung. Doing so will allow me to provide you with updates on this and other important issues. If I can be of any assistance in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
DON YOUNG
Congressman for All Alaska
