Thank you for contacting me to share your support for legalizing marijuana. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.
I have given much thought to this matter over the years. I do not support the decriminalization if marijuana or any other controlled substance. I have been open to considering changes to the Controlled Substance Act which would permit the dispensing of tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) to assist individuals in chronic pain or with other medical conditions, and I have been supportive of research to do just that. I believe this position strikes a careful balance between Oregonians’ decision to allow the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes while maintaining control over a substance which I believe is ultimately harmful to our society.
Over the years, I have been called upon to vote on measures that would affect the legal status of marijuana. One such vote was on an amendment to the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill of 2007, popularly called the Hinchey Amendment. This amendment would have prohibited the federal government from prosecuting individuals who use marijuana for medicinal purposes in states where such use is legal under state law, including Oregon. Not only do such federal actions apply to Oregonians’ decision to allow limited medicinal use of this drug, they may also have an impact on Oregon’s death with dignity law, which I strongly support. I have done my best to make sure Congress does not trample on Oregonians’ rights. For this reason, while I remain concerned with the potential for abuse in the distribution of this controlled substance, I did vote for the Hinchey Amendment. However, the amendment failed by a vote of 165-262. I maintain my support for this effort and will vote for such an amendment again should it be offered.
While you and I may disagree on the overarching matter of marijuana legalization, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts with me and I will keep them in mind when considering future legislation.
Again, thank you for contacting me. Should you have further questions or comments, please call my Oregon office at 503-326-2901 or 800-422-4003. If you would like to receive my email newsletter, visit www.house.gov/wu to sign up.
With warm regards,
David Wu
Member of Congress
And YOUR stats to back up your remark?
Uh Winder – not sure where you get your stats from but… The “majority” of Oregonaians do not favor decriminalizing personal use of cannabis…
I don’t know how this guy got elected. His only virtue is that he answers the question honestly, making it easier for us to get rid of him come his re-election bid. The majority of Oregonians favor decriminalizing personal use of cannabis.
Our simple message to you, as your constituents: Mister Wu, We will not support you, if you (continue to) support the prohibition of marijuana.
Another worthless Democrat. Show some courage. Act like you deserve the label of “progressive.”
What a douche.