It's kind of cannabis news. A senator from Indiana isn't on board MMJ laws. After this senator and a former Indiana governor held a charity basketball game with profits to go to veterans services I wrote Senator Donnelly a harsh email telling him that playing games is great, but if he really wanted to do something for veterans he should get on board the medical cannabis train.
Here's his reply.
November 2, 2016
Dear Mr. BD9,
Thank you for taking the time to contact me about your thoughts on how medical marijuana may be used to treat our nation's veterans. I appreciate the time you took to write me about this issue and your advocacy on behalf of Hoosier veterans. Like you, I believe Congress has an important obligation to ensure our servicemembers and veterans get the best care possible.
Currently, federal law categorizes marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA, P.L. 91-513). Schedule I drugs are illegal to use or possess in almost all circumstances. Under the CSA, the cultivation, distribution, and possession of marijuana are prohibited for any reason other than to engage in federally approved research.
In recent years, 23 states and the District of Columbia have decriminalized medical marijuana by enacting exceptions to their state drug laws that permit individuals to grow, possess, or use marijuana for medicinal purposes. In addition, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Alaska and the District of Columbia have passed laws to legalize, regulate, and tax small amounts of marijuana for recreational use, under certain conditions, by individuals who are 21and older. Nonetheless, individuals and organizations remain subject to federal criminal prosecution or other consequences if they violate federal marijuana laws.
On March 3, 2015, S. 683, the Compassionate Access, Research Expansion, and Respect States (CARERS) Act was introduced in the Senate. If enacted, this legislation would provide for federal recognition of state medical marijuana laws, list marijuana as a Schedule II controlled substance rather than Schedule I, and exclude cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive substance derived from marijuana, from the definition of marijuana under the CSA. In addition, this bill would provide for the issuance of licenses for federal medical marijuana research and authorize Veterans Affairs healthcare providers to provide veterans residing in states with medical marijuana programs with recommendations and opinions on participating in these programs. The CARERS Act is currently pending before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Supporters of decriminalization argue that the tax benefits to states may outweigh the long-term uncertainties, while opponents argue that decriminalization of marijuana may result in a number of unintended consequences such as increased youth use of marijuana and other drugs. Furthermore, supporters of medical marijuana argue that marijuana and its derived substances can be used as an alternative treatment for certain illnesses, while opponents argue that current research has provided inconclusive evidence as to whether marijuana can provide substantial medical benefits compared to traditional therapies.
After examining current research, I do not believe it to be prudent to decriminalize marijuana at this time. I will, however, continue to consider the existing research regarding its medical benefits. Should legislation addressing this issue come to the Senate floor for a vote, I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind.
It is a privilege to represent you and all Hoosiers in the U.S. Senate. Your continued correspondence is welcome and helps me to better represent our state. I encourage you to write, call, or email if my office can ever be of assistance. You can also check out my Facebook page and follow me on Twitter by visiting my
website.
