Pubdate: Thu, 04 Jun 2015
Source: Denver Post (CO)
Copyright: 2015 The Denver Post Corp
Contact:  http://www.denverpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/122
Author: Ricardo Baca, The Cannabist

MEDICAL POT GETS BOOST

The U.S. House voted Wednesday afternoon to continue to prevent the 
Department of Justice from interfering in states' medical pot 
programs - but the House voted down a more sweeping bill that would 
have protected those who use, sell or possess recreational cannabis 
in states where it is legal.

The GOP-controlled House passed the Rohrabacher-Farr Medical 
Marijuana Amendment, which prevents the Justice Department from 
interfering with states that have legalized medical marijuana, by a 
vote of 242-186.

"The majority of the states have said they want medical marijuana 
patients to have access to the medicine they need without fear of 
prosecution," Rep. Sam Farr, D-Calif., said in a release.

"For the second year in a row, the people's house has listened to the 
will of the people and voted to give them that access."

But the McClintock-Polis Marijuana Amendment failed in the House 206-222.

According to the office of Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., the amendment 
would have prevented the DEA from prosecuting people who use, sell or 
possess marijuana in compliance with state laws.

"This measure would provide much-needed certainty to marijuana 
businesses that they can operate free from harassment and 
interference by federal drug authorities," a statement from his office said.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom