Statement of Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich On: The Supreme Court Ruling on Medical Marijuana
Washington,
Jun 6, 2005 -
Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) issued the following statement today on the Supreme Court ruling against the use of medical marijuana:
“Today’s ruling will deny people with life threatening and debilitating illnesses potential relief from their suffering.
“Medical marijuana has recognized therapeutic value, and the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine has recommended the use of medical marijuana in some cases. Those seeking medically necessary relief from horrific illnesses should not be treated as criminals.
“We already know that those suffering from cancer and chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and other diseases have found relief from medical marijuana.
“The fight over medical marijuana is nothing but a sideshow in the so-called ‘war on drugs’, and will do nothing to address the real drug problems facing our nation.
“Today's Supreme Court ruling highlights the need for Congress to act on the issue of medical marijuana. The federal government can no longer ignore the medicinal importance and efficacy of medical marijuana. That is why I am an original co-sponsored of HR 2087, a bill to provide for the medical use of marijuana in accordance with the laws of the various States and will support amendments during the upcoming Appropriations process which address this issue.”
