(The Hill) A bipartisan group of House members has proposed legislation that would make it easier for people to defend themselves in federal cases for possessing marijuana, if they can show that they are using marijuana for medical purposes in line with relevant state laws.
The Truth in Trials Act, H.R. 6134, was introduced Tuesday by Rep. Sam Farr (D-Calif.), along with an eclectic mix of 15 House Democrats such as Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), and three Republicans, including GOP presidential candidate Rep. Ron Paul (Texas).
The bill would give people facing federal prosecution for marijuana possession the right to “introduce evidence demonstrating that the marijuana-related activities for which the person stands accused were performed in compliance with state law regarding the medical use of marijuana.” It would also create an affirmative defense under federal law for marijuana possession.
It says something very sad about America that we have to go out of our way to enact legislation to allow the truth to be spoken in court. Yet defendant after defendant has been convicted in federal court while forbidden to use the words “medical” and “marijuana” together. Federal judges have imprisoned sick and disabled people for lengthy mandatory minimums for the crime of dutifully obeying state medical marijuana law.
Please contact your representatives and ask them to co-sponsor and support the Truth in Trials Act.
