Barney Frank and Ron Paul Team Up to Decriminalize Marijuana
Posted:
07/15/09
Filed Under:House, Democrats, Republicans


A new bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives that would "eliminate most Federal penalties for possession of marijuana for personal use, and for other purposes." H.R. 5843 is sponsored by Massachusetts Democrat Barney Frank and co-sponsored by Texas Republican Ron Paul, among others. The bill carries a very reassuring title, too: Act to Remove Federal Penalties for Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults.

Over the past few years, numerous states have passed so-called "medical marijuana" laws, allowing doctors to prescribe pot to patients to treat a variety of symptoms. A total of 13 states have also passed measures decriminalizing marijuana. This new bill would expand that tolerance of the drug to include open recreational use.

Interviewed recently by Esquire about the new measure, Frank was asked why Congress is taking so long to take action that so many states have pursued. Here's his response:

"This is a case where there's cultural lag on the part of my colleagues. If you ask them privately, they don't think it's a terrible thing. But they're afraid of being portrayed as soft on drugs."


Another politician who has never been accused of being afraid to express his beliefs on legalizing pot is Paul, who gave a memorable interview on the subject a few months ago. Watch it here.

So, it's clear what Barney Frank and Ron Paul think about decriminalizing marijuana, but what's your take?

Even if it's never "legal" it should be at least decriminalized.
I think it's insanity to lock up potheads just simply for being a pothead, and it does happen. Child molesters do less jail time...

I have no problem with them making it legal AS LONG AS the same laws apply to it as alcohol. And NO MINORS!!!!!!! I get sick of adults sharing it with their minor kids and thinking it's ok

that happens with alcohol and tobacco as well

and it is legal if it is w/parent

that is weird at best

It's hard because it stays in your system so much longer than booze. You get caught driving and drinking, fair enough. You smoke pot and 4 days later it still shows up. I think it will be tough to make legal.
I just don't think the crime fits the time... and of course no minors...

urine it shows up for 30 days

hair as long as you do not cut it it shows

field sobriety and aroma tester would be one possibility

that is a good thought

I personally don't like it or use it and even though my son is 18...as long as he is in my house...it would be a big NO

or I'm just grumpy

it should be legal. of course you must be 21 years old to buy.think of the taxes our government could get. of course we have some old folks who will say it is drugs, i say to you. you drink don't you, at one time that was against the law.i will admit i have been smoking for over 35 years, times i have to dry out to take a drug test. so to whom every says you can get addict to weed your so wrong.

really the reason why its illegal is because blacks were smoking it, the government want to control and lock up people. to whom every disagrees with me look it up.

really the reason why its illegal is because blacks were smoking it, the government want to control and lock up people. to whom every disagrees with me look it up.