State, Federal Efforts to Clarify Medical Marijuana Policy

On June 8, State Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) introduced a SJR 14, which calls for a comprehensive federal policy to ensure safe and legal access to medical marijuana for patients who benefit from its therapeutic use. “When passed, this resolution will clearly state the Legislature’s opposition to federal interference with California’s medical marijuana law and support for expanded federal reform and medical research,” said Leno. Read more. A similar resolution, SJR 20 (Migden) passed the State Senate in 2008.

The U.S. House Appropriations Committee approved a provision authored by Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) that seeks to clarify the Obama Administration’s recently announced
medical marijuana enforcement policy.
The language states, “There have been conflicting public reports about the Department’s [DOJ] enforcement of medical marijuana policies. Within 60 days of enactment, the Department shall provide to the Committee clarification of the Department’s policy regarding enforcement of federal laws and use of federal resources against individuals involved in medical marijuana activities.” The provision is a non-binding recommendation.

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