WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma) today, spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in support of an amendment to cut funds for prosecuting individuals who use medical marijuana in states that legally permit it - like California. This amendment to H.R. 2962, the Science, State, Justice Appropriations for FY 2006 was defeated 264-161.

Just last week, the Supreme Court ruled that doctors could be prosecuted for prescribing medial marijuana to patients suffering from debilitating diseases. Rep. Woolsey has supported efforts in the U.S. Congress to make medical marijuana legal. “Doctors must be permitted to prescribe marijuana for patients suffering from debilitating diseases, and patients must not live in fear of federal prosecution,” said Rep. Lynn Woolsey. “I believe that the federal government should let states make these decisions and stay out of the way.”

 

The following are Rep. Woolsey’s words as written for the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives:

 

“Mr. Speaker, like my constituents, I believe that doctors should be permitted to prescribe marijuana for patients suffering from debilitating diseases like cancer, aids, glaucoma, spastic disorders, and other debilitating diseases.

 

“As you know in California, voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 215, in 1996, allowing for the use of marijuana for medical purposes. They were extremely disappointed in the Supreme Court’s recent decision, which continues the government’s authority to arrest and prosecute those who use medical marijuana while complying with state laws.

 

“The people that I represent have made it clear that they want doctors to be permitted to prescribe marijuana for their patients suffering from debilitating diseases, and I believe that the federal government must not stand in the way.

 

“The Justice Department must stop punishing those who are abiding by their state's law. Please support this important amendment so that those who suffer from debilitating diseases can continue to get relief without the fear of federal interference.”