With Medical Marijuana being one of the driving factors in deciding on elected officials, Votemedicalmarijuana.org has compiled a list to make it easy for you to see who is on your side and who is against you. Each member of congress is given a grade of either pass or fail that shows how they have voted for medical marijuana in the past. This new website launched by Americans for Safe Access has made it very clear which members of congress are in favor of medical marijuana.
Statements from the ASA
Steph Sherer said it best here as he talks about the role of elected officials in medical marijauana programs and how that can affect the lives of many people. “Given that our elected officials decide whether and how to develop medical marijuana policy that affects millions of patients in the U.S., it’s important for them to have the tools necessary to make decisions that will impact their future,” said Steph Sherer, Executive Director of American for Safe Access. “The choices made by patients and their supporters at the ballot box should take into consideration the candidates’ record on medical marijuana.”
Congress’ Role in MMJ
It’s congress that decides the fate of medical marijuana patients in more ways than one. Patients can not even currently claim a medical necessity defense in a federal trial. This wonderful website from ASA also shows us which of these congress members are deserving of the so called “honor roll” distinction given to proven advocates of these programs. These fine members of congress seek to develop a comprehensive federal policy and to protect the medical marijuana laws of the state. If you are a political person and a medical marijuana patient, then there has never been a site more directed towards you than Votemedicalmarijuana.org!
New Initiatives on the Ballot
Three states will new medical marijuana initiatives on their ballots this November. These states, Arkansas, Massachusetts, and Montana, all have problems in their state that these initiatives aim to fix. Arkansas wants to be granted immunity for medical marijuana patients and dispensaries from penalties. Caregivers and patients will also be allowed to grow small amounts of marijuana if this issue is passed. Montana wants to improve some very restrictive amendments to their state laws on medical marijuana passed in 2004. And finally, Massachusetts wishes to eliminate criminal penalties related to the use of medical marijuana. This would also create new state sanctified centers from which patients could acquire their medical marijuana.
Legalizing Marijuana
While full legalization is still a long time away, each of these initiatives passed gets us one step closer to our ultimate goal. But right now, medical marijuana seems to be doing all right for most people. While federal punishments and corrupt police raids definitely need to be dealt with, medical marijuana is easy to access and a great way to relieve stress for many patients. Check out votemedicalmarijuana,org and see which of your members of congress voted your way. You may just be surprised at the results!
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