By Amanda Froelich
Great news! A provision ending the federal prohibition on medical marijuana, banning federal agents from policing its users or raiding dispensaries in any state or district where it is legal, was just passed by Congress.
The provision can be found in Congress’ new 1,603-page spending plan.
Mainstream media may be quiet about this latest news, but you can guarantee the little passage will radically alter the way America treats – and views – the use of medical marijuana.
The spending plan, with the medical pot provision within it, became law when President Obama signed it last Friday, reports the LA Times.
Up until now, police could still prosecute people for using or distributing medical marijuana – even in states that had legalized it, because federal law designated cannabis in any form as an illegal drug. As you know, federal law takes precedent over state law.
A massive shift has now taken place. Reportedly, even Republicans were more inclined to support a less strict federal drug policy.
The war on medical marijuana is over. Now the fight moves on to legalization of all marijuana.
At present, thirty-two of the 50 states and the District of Columbia have already legalized some form of marijuana use, or its ingredients, for medication.
For this reason, the new law “is a victory for so many,” says Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, a Californian Republican and co-author of the provision.
“This is […] the first time in decades that the federal government has curtailed its oppressive prohibition of marijuana.”
The benefits of cannabis are numerous, which is why the herb needs to be legally available in every state. Studies have shown that cannabis oil helps treat everything from glaucoma and multiple sclerosis to nerve and seizure disorders, and chronic pain. In addition, hemp is not only a nutritious food (hemp seed), the crop can be used to make clothes, building materials, and fuel – among other uses.