Pubdate: Fri, 24 Jul 2009
Source: Boston Phoenix (MA)
Copyright: 2009 The Phoenix Media/Communications Group.
Contact:  http://www.bostonphoenix.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/54
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n687/a08.html
Author: Jack Elam

POWER PUFFS

The word "cannabis" appears only once in the Controlled Substances
Act, in the definition of marijuana. Rather than filing two bills
seeking decriminalization, Representative Barney Frank could file one
bill to simplify the definition of the racist term "marihuana," then
let the states regulate it.

Just change the definition from this: "The term 'marihuana' means all
parts of the plant Cannabis sativa L., whether growing or not . . ."
to this: "The term 'marihuana' means all parts of the smoke produced
by the combustion of the plant Cannabis sativa L."

Then, the public use of marijuana (the smoke) stays prohibited, but
cannabis (the plant, including its unsmoked parts and vapors) would be
unscheduled and legal. This would give people a chance to find out how
useful cannabis really is.

The states themselves could do this, too.

Jack Elam

Houston, Texas
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake