Thank you for contacting me regarding the decriminalization or legalization of marijuana.
While I understand the arguments in favor of legalization, I believe there are broader issues which must be considered. In particular, the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) has shown that “marijuana use by youth is highly correlated with future use of addictive drugs like cocaine and heroin.” At the very least, I believe legalizing marijuana would send the wrong signal to young people.
That said, in our effort to combat illegal drug use in the United States, we have not have always pursued the best course and have in fact created additional problems. Fighting the war on drugs has led to political and economic tradeoffs with our allies, and contributed to the enactment of mandatory minimum sentencing laws which have not necessarily addressed the broader problem of drug abuse.
It may interest you to know, however, that I have supported the right of states to determine whether to legalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Rep. Maurice Hinchey offered a related amendment during consideration of the Fiscal Year 2008 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Act on July 25, 2007. The Hinchey amendment, which I supported, would have effectively prevented the Justice Department from prosecuting individuals for the medical use of marijuana in states where the practice is permissible under state law. Unfortunately, the amendment did not prevail by a vote of 165 to 262.
You may be aware that two bills have been introduced in the House by Rep. Barney Frank that would decriminalize marijuana. The first, H.R. 2835, the Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act would move marijuana from schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act to schedule II and recognize marijuana’s medical effectiveness. In addition, the legislation would strengthen protections for state-authorized medical marijuana programs. The bill has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee for review. Another measure, H.R.2943, the Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults Act of 2009 would eliminate federal penalties for possession of marijuana for personal use. This bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee and the Energy and Commerce Committee. Should the House consider legislation related to marijuana and our federal drug control strategy, I will consider it carefully, keeping your concerns in mind.
Thank you again for contacting me. Please continue to keep in touch on issues of concern.
Sincerely,
DAVID PRICE
Member of Congress
