So let me get this straight: Hardy Meyers, the Attorney General of the State of Oregon, is assuring Oregon doctors that they can go back to issuing medical "pot" cards in the wake of the recent 6-3 ruling by the Supreme Court because even though they confirmed pot smoking was illegal, he's just pretty darn sure federal agents won't do anything about it.
Oregon officials continued to process applications while they waited for assurance from state Attorney General Hardy Meyers that they were not violating federal law. They approved 547 applications in the interim and began Friday mailing 100 to 150 cards a day to catch up, Higginson said.
The high court decision upheld a position that federal officials have taken since Oregon's law passed in 1998 -- that they have the authority to go after medical marijuana users, even if the users are protected from state prosecution.
As a practical matter, federal drug agents, who focus on large-scale drug traffickers, rarely choose to arrest small backyard growers typical of those using marijuana for medical reasons.
So nobody cares if it happens, it's taking place under the supervision of a doctor, and it's not hurting anyone. "Quick, somebody please put an end to this madness! Drugs are bad! (takes drag from cigaratte, sips morning coffee)"
I can't think of a better example of laws existing for the sole purpose of making depraved, self-righteous hypocrites feel good about themselves.
Interestingly, the Supreme Court ruling did not specifically overturn the California law in question, or those in the 10 states with extant laws permitting some form of marijuana use for medicinal purposes. However, the specter of arrest by feds still hangs over the heads of the patients for whom cannibus has been legally prescribed, adding that stressful dimension to their already compromised physical states.
What a world! What a country!
Classifying marijuana as a dangerous drug has always been over the top.
Unfortunately, this Congress will do nothing about allowing for supervised medical usage, and that is as nuts as it is cruel.
Great post, by the way.
Post a Comment