Regulation and Reform
Regulation and Reform work. Currently, billions of dollars are being spent by our government and various lobbying groups to keep prohibition alive and well. Because of this an unregulated market controls pricing and sales of a plant that generates billions in profits, all of which is untaxed. It is naïve to believe that keeping cannabis illegal keeps the government out of the process. Government hands are all over this cash crop, but few people in this country reap any benefits. Regulating the commercial sale of cannabis while at the same time allowing personal growing creates a system for all Oregonians to benefit, even those who chose not to buy cannabis from the state or use it at all.
In an unregulated market anyone can purchase cannabis and prices are set by those in charge of the racketeering. Regulation drives the overall cost down while at the same time making it harder for those under 21 to obtain cannabis. Considering the revenue for state programs and the safety it creates for our youth, it is hard to understand why we have not made the move to regulate cannabis already. Reform of our current laws is the only way to move forward in Oregon.
Tax dollars should be used to pay for schools, health care and transportation not the 4' x 6' cell of a non-violent offender. Reform will free up tax dollars and precious public safety resources. Over time, reform will change the public opinion people have of cannabis; the social stigma that folks cling to now will fall away. Farmers cannot even grow hemp because the government categorizes hemp and cannabis under the same umbrella, which is only testament to their lack of knowledge regarding the plant. Elected officials, farmers and the medical industry see the benefits of this crop. It is time for Oregon to have laws that reflect commonsense and logical ideals.
Congressman Earl Blumenauer's Letter Regarding Reform
October 10, 2008
Dear Friend,
Thank you for your letter about H.R. 5843, the Act to Remove Federal Penalties for the Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults. I am a cosponsor of this bill and H.R. 5842, the States' Rights to Medical Marijuana Act.
H.R. 5843 will prohibit any federal penalty for personal use possession of marijuana and the not-for-profit transfer of personal use amounts of marijuana, while H.R. 5842 will allow marijuana to be grown and sold in compliance with state medical marijuana laws without federal intervention.
Since 1973, when I voted for legislation that successfully decriminalized marijuana in Oregon, I have been a supporter of a reasonable approach to marijuana regulation. I consistently support Representative Maurice Hinchey's amendment to the Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which prevents major federal interference in the implementation of any state medical marijuana laws.
While I feel there are still many questions about the effects of marijuana use, I believe that this is an issue best left to the states. As you know, Oregonians have made it clear that they favor the availability of marijuana to treat those with cancer, AIDS, and other serious health problems. I see little justification for federal action on these matters.
Thank you again for writing. Please keep in touch on these and other issues of concern.
Sincerely,
Earl Blumenauer
Member of Congress
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Bio: A lifelong resident of Portland, Oregon, Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-3) has devoted his entire career to public service.
While still a student at Lewis and Clark College, he spearheaded the effort to lower the voting age both in Oregon and at the national level. He was elected to the Oregon Legislature in 1972, where he served three terms and Chaired the House Education and Revenue Committee in 1977-78. In 1978, he was elected to the Multnomah County Commission, where he served for eight years before being elected to the Portland City Council in 1986. There, his 10-year tenure as the Commissioner of Public Works demonstrated his leadership on the innovative accomplishments in transportation, planning, environmental programs and public participation that have helped Portland earn an international reputation as one of America’s most livable cities.
Elected to the US House of Representatives in 1996, Mr. Blumenauer has created a unique role as Congress’ chief spokesperson for Livable Communities: places where people are safe, healthy and economically secure. From 1996 to 2007, he served on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where he was a strong advocate for federal policies that address transportation alternatives, provide housing choices, support sustainable economies and improve the environment. He was a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee from 2001 to 2007 and vice-chair of the the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming from 2007 to 2010. He is currently a member of the Ways and Means Committee and the Budget Committee.
Congressman Blumenauer’s academic training includes undergraduate and law degrees from Lewis and Clark College in Portland.
Source: http://blumenauer.house.gov/