Finally, Congress Starts Moving on Reforming Pot Prohibition
By Allen St. Pierre, NORML.
On July 30 something rather historic on a number of counts occurred in the nation's capital. Firstly, Congress is for the first time in a generation (1978) taking a serious look at reforming components of cannabis prohibition laws. In today's Congress, the support of the Congressional Black Caucus is pivotal to passing any substantive cannabis law reform. So I was so very heartened that Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and William Lacy Clay (D-MO) joined us on this very hot and oppressively humid day in DC, along with the always jocose Barney Frank (D-MA), the bill's primary sponsor (along with Rep. Ron Paul, R-TX).

Second, the media attending the press conference on HR 5843, a bill that would decriminalize marijuana possession and use for responsible adults, fairly captured the event's narrative, i.e., 'it makes no sense to treat cannabis consumers like criminals' and 'why not start controlling cannabis in the same way society (and government agencies) already control alcohol products?' with no double entendre or goofy 'stoner stupidisms'. You can view a CNN video of the press conference here. Also, you can check out some YouTube footage here of my opening remarks.

Bill Piper from the Drug Policy Alliance spoke about the collateral effects that happen to citizens arrested for minor amounts of cannabis including, but not limited to: loss of student loans; denial to public housing, food stamps and job training; and denial of entry into the military and some government service jobs.

LINK TO CON.