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US Congress Ends Decade-Long Obstruction of D.C. Medical Marijuana Law
Medical Marijuana Law Passed in 1998 May Finally Be Implemented
07/16/09|Common Dreams| by Press Center



WASHINGTON - July 16 - The U.S. House today passed legislation that removes a decade-old provision that has prevented Washington, D.C., from implementing the medical marijuana law passed by 69 percent of capital voters in 1998.

Known as the Barr amendment, the provision has forbidden the city from extending legal protection to qualified medical marijuana patients and has been derided by advocates for years as an unconscionable intrusion by the federal government into the District's affairs.

"Today represents a victory not just for medical marijuana patients, but for all city residents who have the right to determine their own policies in their own District without federal meddling," said Aaron Houston, director of government relations for the Marijuana Policy Project. "D.C. residents overwhelmingly made the sensible, compassionate decision to pass a medical marijuana law, and now, 10 years later, suffering Washingtonians may finally be allowed to focus on treating their pain without fearing arrest."

Although Congress had passed the Barr amendment every year until now, the provision came under greater scrutiny after the high-profile case of Jonathan Magbie, a D.C. quadriplegic man who died in prison in 2004 from lack of medical care after being convicted for using marijuana to treat his pain.

"Had the District been able to implement its medical marijuana law when it passed in 1998, Mr. Magbie may well be alive today - and free to treat his pain as he and his doctor saw fit," Houston said. "Perhaps now nobody in the District will ever have to suffer as he and his family did simply for using the medicine that works best for them."

With more than 27,000 members and 100,000 e-mail subscribers nationwide, the Marijuana Policy Project is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. MPP believes that the best way to minimize the harm associated with marijuana is to regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol. For more information, please visit MPP Homepage.

Frylok

It's about time that inhumane law was shut down.

Have I mentioned that Bob Barr, the author of the original bill, and the man the law is named after, was the Libertarian candidate for President in 2008? Careful who you vote for.

LowRider

you do know he has changed sides right???

Frylok

Has he? Really? I think Mr. Barr does whatever it takes to protect Mr. Barr's interests. Not really the kind of guy you want on your side.

LowRider

don't know his reasons but its one more person on our side. gotta admit i still don't like him but its mainly his politics. but hes one more that has been changed over.

Amato d00d

So, what does this mean for people in the D.C. area? I'm stoned and failing to understand lol...