Thank you for sharing your perspective on marijuana. I appreciate learning your views, and I value your input.
The usage of marijuana for medical purposes remains controversial. Supporters claim that marijuana is therapeutic and not as harmful as smoking cigarettes. On the other hand, opponents contend that marijuana should remain illegal because of its harmful effects and its susceptibility to impurities and tampering.
I have met with several people who must deal constantly with debilitating injuries and illnesses and rely on medically approved marijuana to cope with their conditions. Thanks in part to these meetings, I believe that medical marijuana used under a physician’s care can be beneficial. While the potential for abuse remains, there are different ways to guard against the illegal proliferation of marijuana, and it is important to focus our energy on the most effective ways to ensure that marijuana is not used illegally.
In the 110th Congress, Congressmen Maurice Hinchey and Dana Rohrabacher introduced an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2008 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bill prohibiting the use of federal funds to prosecute medical marijuana patients in states that have legalized the drug. This amendment has been introduced several times since 2003. Should the same amendment be introduced again this year, I will support it, as I cannot in good conscience deny treatment to people who experience excruciating pain on a daily basis.
Thank you again for sharing your views.
Sincerely,
Jerry McNerney
Member of Congress
You go Jerry…one more congressman!