Piece Description
Congressmen Barney Frank (D-MA) and Ron Paul (R-TX) interviewed by Chris Goldstein for Active Voice Radio on 4-2-09 about medical marijuana, decriminalization and President Obama's recent comments on legalization.
Rep. Frank congratulated the people of his home state for decriminalizing marijuana possession in a ballot referendum this fall. He also discussed the economic crisis and offered a welcome bit of levity.
Summary of questions to Rep. Frank:
- HR 5842 "Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act"
- HR 5843 "An Act to Remove Federal Penalties for the Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults"
- President Obama's comments on marijuana during the online town-hall
- Attorney General Eric Holder's statement son ending federal medical marijuana raids
- Massachusetts ballot referendum that passed 11/08 decriminalizing cannabis possession on the state-level
- Is marijuana reform a civil rights and social justice issue
- How should Americans take action in regard to the economic crisis
Rep. Paul noted that he does not see marijuana legalization as a tax issue, since he is anti-tax anyway, but sees the topic is a state's rights and privacy issue. Congressman Paul also noted his own rather conservative district voters in Texas have never penalized him for his pro-reform positions.
Summary of questions Rep. Paul:
- HR 5842 "Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act"
- HR 5843 "An Act to Remove Federal Penalties for the Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults"
- The Industrial Hemp Farming Act
- President Obama's comments on marijuana during the online town-hall
- Attorney General Eric Holder's statement son ending federal medical marijuana raids