In an overwhelming and emotional 219 to 189 vote, the House of Representatives approved an amendment that will stop medical marijuana raids. The new law puts an end to federal interference with state laws that authorize the use, distribution, possession, or cultivation of medical marijuana.
Specifically, the law prohibits the Department of Justice (DOJ), which includes the DEA from spending any funds on the arrest, raids, and prosecutions of state authorized medical marijuana patients, their care providers and dispensaries.
This is big news for the 22 states that allow marijuana for medical use: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, DC, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.
This is the first time Congress has approved a major marijuana reform which goes to show that times are finally changing. This amendment “received more support from Republicans than ever before,” according to Dan Riffle of the Marijuana Policy Project. Of the 219 voting in favor of the amendment, 49 were unexpectedly from Republicans. Medical marijuana advocates are fully aware of the momentum they are gaining and are responding with enthusiasm. Mason Tvert Director of Communications Marijuana Policy Project, said “this is a major sign that things are moving full-speed in the right direction at the federal level, as well as the state level.”
State residents who are using medical marijuana are even more excited. Many of these patients rely on medical marijuana as a treatment method for pain relief, nausea, glaucoma, movement disorders and even as an appetite stimulant. Not having to worry about being arrested, prosecuted or having their doors banged down in the middle of the night is a giant sigh of relief.
Twitter is being bombarded with tweets all echoing the same long sought after relief – FINALLY!
If you have been charged with an offense involving marijuana in Oakland, Wayne, or Macomb County or any of its surrounding communities call an attorney at the Law Office of Barton Morris today.
