As many of you already know, I like to harass political candidates any chance I get. A couple of months ago I contacted Oregon Representative Earl Blumenauer’s campaign office via e-mail with a very straight forward question — ‘What is your stance on marijuana policy; specifically, marijuana legalization, medical marijuana dispensaries in Oregon, and the current state of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program.’ I informed him that I am a registered, un-affiliated voter in Oregon, and I’m also a member of the OMMP. Marijuana policy is by far the most important issue to me personally. Here is his response copied and pasted below:
“August 11, 2010
Dear Mr. Green,
Thank you for contacting me concerning our nation’s drug policy. Illegal drugs have a significant impact on the safety, security and health of our community. In Oregon, we’re impacted by illegal drug use and trade in urban and rural communities. With our limited resources, we need to focus on halting drug trafficking, educating our youth about the dangers of addiction, and supporting comprehensive drug treatment and addiction programs. We also need to be sure that we are focusing on the drug trafficking that does the most harm to our communities, and that our judicial system works.
I support efforts that recognize the government must get more value out of the money it spends to combat the illegal drug trade. I am also a cosponsor of H.R. 2835, the “Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act,” which will provide for the use of medical marijuana in accordance with the laws of the various States. I have also cosponsored the “Act to Remove Federal Penalties for the Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults.” This bill prohibits any federal penalty for the possession of less than 100 grams of marijuana and the not-for-profit transfer of one ounce or less of marijuana.
Thank you again for sharing your thoughts with me. I am encouraged by the Obama administration’s efforts to bring about responsible changes to our nation’s drug policy agenda and I will continue working to enact sensible legislation.
Sincerely,
Earl Blumenauer
Member of Congress”
Out of the hundreds of e-mails that I have sent out to federal politicians this year, this is the first response that I have received which was pro-marijuana. Most politicians at the federal level are not willing to take a stand on marijuana policy; they duck the question as hard as they can. However, US Representative Earl Blumenauer has not only gone on record in support of marijuana policy reform in America, he has actually cosponsored legislation! I tip my hat to you Mr. Blumenauer, and give you the first ever FULL WEEDBLOG ENDORSEMENT!! VOTE FOR EARL BLUMENAUER!!!!
