Bill Would End Federal Authority to Arrest Adults for Pot Possession 

Washington, DC: US Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) introduced legislation in Congress today to strip the federal government of its authority to arrest responsible adult cannabis consumers.  The measure, H.R. 5843, known as an “Act to Remove Federal Penalties for Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults,” is the first federal decriminalization legislation introduced in 24 years.

“It's time for the politicians to catch up with the public on this [issue],” Frank said.  "The notion that you lock people up for smoking marijuana is pretty silly."

Washington, DC:  NORML is offering supporters the opportunity to join NORML for only $4.20 this Sunday, April 20th, available exclusively at www.420moneybomb.com.

All supporters who take advantage of this celebratory, one-day-only offer will receive a special NORML sticker, Freedom Card, and a one-year NORML membership, which usually costs $35.

“4/20 is a special date when cannabis consumers celebrate marijuana and all of its various unique cultural interpretations and accoutrements,” NORML Outreach Coordinator Ron Fisher said today.  “With the introduction of two new federal pro-reform bills, this year's 4/20 celebrations provide citizens nationwide who support cannabis law reform unique opportunities that NORML strongly encourages them to exercise: join NORML for $4.20 on 4/20, celebrate 4/20 responsibly, and, most importantly, lobby for reforms on 4/21.”

NORML's 4/20moneybomb, inspired by Representative Ron Paul's fundraising success in his recent presidential campaign, is only one part of NORML's online outreach strategy, which includes a daily podcast, NORML's blog, and popular pages at Facebook and MySpace.

Started only last September, NORML's Facebook Cause group, the largest group of self-identified cannabis law reform supporters in the world, reached a membership total of 420,000 members Tuesday.  “Coincidence?  A propitious omen to say the least,” commented NORML Executive Director Allen St. Pierre.

For more information, contact NORML Outreach Coordinator Ron Fisher at (202) 483-5500, or direct your browser to www.420moneybomb.com.

New referendum provision may garner additional support — act today to move this legislation forward!

Two things are special about this year's medical marijuana bill. One is the record number of sponsors. This year, four new legislators have signed on to the medical marijuana bill — HB 1830 — for a total of eleven sponsors. The other aspect is a compromise provision that would put the matter to the voters once the legislature approves. We know that the majority of Missourians support safe access for sick and dying patients. The voter referendum provision, however, will give wavering legislators comfort and assurance. This may change the entire context of the issue by making it easier for some legislators to support the bill.

HB 1830 is similar to the medical marijuana laws that have been passed by other states in recent years. As in MPP's model bill, patients would be required to obtain a written recommendation from their doctor before they can apply for an ID card from the state. Registered organizations would also be allowed to provide patients with medical marijuana.

Click "READ MORE.." below to find out how you can contact your legislatures and help progress this bill. 

Click here to see the specific provisions of HB 1830

Seattle, Washington: Initiative 75, passed by the Seattle, WA voters in September of 2003, requires that "the Seattle Police Department and City Attorney’s Office shall make the investigation, arrest and prosecution of marijuana offenses, when the marijuana was intended for adult personal use, the city’s lowest law enforcement priority." The ordinance subsequently adopted by the Seattle City Council to implement the new policy included provisions for the president of the city council to appoint an eleven-member Marijuana Policy Review Panel to assess and report on the effects of this ordinance.