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3/30/2011 – The National Cannabis Industry Association held a media event in Washington DC today that showcased a powerful new lobbying effort: Medical Marijuana. Colorado’s new House Representative, Jared Polis, joined several prominent canna-business owners at the National Press Club.
From The Washington Times:
“It is time for the federal government to take this industry seriously,” said Steve Fox, NCIA director of public affairs. “[The government has] blocked research at every step. [Medical marijuana] should be recognized as medicine already, and it is a crime that it isn’t.” read full
Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO)
The media seemed to be very attentive to the remarks of Congressman Polis (D-CO) who called for an end to marijuana prohibition overall. The Raw Story reports:
“Ending the failed policy of prohibition with regard to marijuana will strike a major blow against the criminal cartels that are terrorizing Americans and Mexicans on both sides of the border,” Polis said at the National Press Club, in response to a question from Raw Story.
“It’s been estimated that the drug cartels drive about half of their revenue from marijuana, so I think it would reduce the violence by half, and reduce the money that fuels the criminal enterprises by half.” read full
Several pieces of legislation for federal marijuana reforms are expected this year. Congressmen Barney Frank (D-MA), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) and Ron Paul (R-TX) have been the leaders on this issue. In the past they helped co-sponsor a medical cannabis patient protection act and a hemp farming bill.
Rep. Polis is taking on a front-and-center role in national cannabis reform. He will speak at the 40th National NORML Conference in Denver Colorado on April 21, 2011.