re: #873 Gus 802

Hecho by Republicans of course:

Sponsor:

Lamar Seeligson Smith

Lamar Seeligson Smith (born November 19, 1947) is the U.S. Representative for Texas’s 21st congressional district, serving since 1987. The district includes most of the wealthier sections of San Antonio and Austin, as well as nearly all of the Texas Hill Country. He is a member of the Republican Party.

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Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011

On June 23, 2011, H.R. 2306 was introduced to Congress by Barney Frank and co-signer Ron Paul.[7] The intent of the bill was to end the Federal prohibition on Cannabis, turning over the regulation of marijuana to states (similar to alcohol). The bill was the first of its kind since prohibition began. H.R. 2306 would limit federal powers to interstate transfer; while laws for cultivation, sales, use, and taxation would be determined by each state. This bill was well received by the public, especially medical marijuana patients and activists.

Lamar Smith informed reporters that he had no intention of considering the bill or providing it with a hearing. With Smith’s position as chairman of the House Committee on the Judiciary, he has great influence on what bills will be considered.

Smith stated that “Marijuana use and distribution is prohibited under federal law because it has a high potential for abuse and does not have an accepted medical use in the U.S., The Food and Drug Administration has not approved smoked marijuana for any condition or disease.” This statement is highly controversial and has been disputed by many. Smith also stated “Decriminalizing marijuana will only lead to millions more Americans becoming addicted to drugs and greater profits for drug cartels who fund violence along the U.S.-Mexico border. Allowing states to determine their own marijuana policy flies in the face of Supreme Court precedent.” The accuracy of these statements has been questioned.

On June 24, 2011, Lamar Smith’s Facebook page was flooded with protests from citizens, asking him to change his position on the bill and calling for a fair hearing. Smith’s Facebook page was temporarily taken down soon after, to be returned void of all comments related to H.R. 2306 and with future comments disabled. The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) encouraged MMJ patients and activists to contact Smith via his phone, which was soon turned to an automatic answering machine, stating the office was closed.

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Personal life

Smith is a Christian Scientist. His wife, Elizabeth Lynn Schaefer, is a Christian Science practitioner and teacher. He divides his time between homes in San Antonio and Hyannisport, Massachusetts.

Rather ironic isn’t it? Or maybe not. That a Christian Scientist would not think that marijuana has medical properties. Given after all that marijuana is part of nature or a product “made by God.” But they probably think it was “made by the devil” or a “God” in order to test us. Or something.