Policy Information Exchange

As the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that state laws don't protect medical-marijuana users from federal drug prosecution, a U.S. House member said he would reintroduce legislation to prevent federal law-enforcement action against medical users of the drug.

The Hill reported June 7 that Rep. Maurice Hinchey (R-N.Y.) plans to introduce legislation barring the Justice Department from spending money to arrest and prosecute medical-marijuana users. The measure would be an amendment to a pending state, science, justice and commerce appropriations bill.

Last year, an identical measure was defeated in the House by a 268-148 vote. "We hope that the amendment will keep growing in support every year, but we are realistic that there probably won't be a huge jump," said Wendy Darwell, Hinchey's chief of staff.

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