Bipartisan bill fails to end funding for raids on “legal” medical marijuana dispensaries
By Brent Daggett
Contributing writer for End the Lie
On May 9, 2012 the House of Representatives voted 262-163 preventing amendment 60, which was part of the appropriations bill funding the Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2013, from coming to fruition.
Editor’s note: Keep in mind, the Obama administration’s war on medical marijuana has had some ugly consequences, not the least of which is the almost complete elimination of state’s rights. One of the more disturbing ways this war has surfaced was in the mistreatment of a horribly sick woman in California and the splitting apart of families.
The amendment was introduced by Reps. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), Sam Farr (D-Calif.), Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.) and Tom McClintock (R-Calif.).
This legislation would have restricted funding of the DOJ from continuing to raid legal marijuana dispensaries.
In the article Medical Marijuana Raids To Continue After House Defeats Defunding Bill, Lucia Graves reports on the contents of the legislation:
“None of the funds made available in this Act to the Department of Justice may be used, with respect to the States of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, to prevent such States from implementing their own State laws that authorize the use, distribution, possession, or cultivation of medical marijuana.”
Despite its failing, here are some of the other snippets as to what the amendment would have done as described by Americans For Safe Access, a medical marijuana advocacy group.
“The Rohrabacher-Hinchey-Farr-McClintock Medical Marijuana Amendment would recognize the right of states to operate their own programs with respect to the issue of medical cannabis, without prohibitive interference from the U.S. Justice Department, which has been escalating its efforts to stymie these programs.
The Rohrabacher-Hinchey-Farr-McClintock Medical Marijuana Amendment does not reschedule or otherwise “legalize” medical cannabis. It also does not prevent the Justice Department from using funds to enforce federal laws against those who do not operate in compliance with state and local medical cannabis laws.”
The amendment was, and still is, needed in order to stop the Obama administration from cracking down on legal medical marijuana dispensaries operating within the guidelines and laws of their states and counties.
As of October 2009, more than 170 raids have occurred in nine states allowing medical marijuana, thus contributing to 61 federal indictments.
“If states’ rights aren’t a good enough reason to pass this amendment, do it because of compassion. Compassion demands it,” said Farr in his statement Wednesday on the House floor.
“We offer this amendment for terminal cancer patients,” he added, “For AIDS victims, for persons who suffer chronic pain. We offer this amendment not only to protect those people, but we offer this amendment to protect the states that are progressive enough to provide alternative medical options to those who need it.”
Since we now know the background, let’s focus our attention to pending legislation and failed bills as illustrated by Procon.org, which is a non-profit organization supporting critical thinking.
As of May 7, 2012:
| 1. Alabama | Summary | History (last action date) |
| House Bill: HB 0025 (40 KB) |
“Marijuana, use for medical purposes authorized, certified by physician, regulated as controlled substances, Michael Phillips Compassionate Care Act.” | Pre-filed by Rep. Patricia Todd (D) and assigned to the Health Committee; Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Feb. 7, 2012) |
| House Bill: HB 0066 (110 KB) |
“Alabama Medical Marijuana Patients Rights Act, authorizing medical use of marijuana for certain qualifying patients.” | Pre-filed by Rep. Brown (R) and assigned to the Health Committee; Pending committee action in House of Origin (Feb. 7, 2012) |
| 2. Connecticut | Summary | History (last action date) |
| House Bill: HB 5389 (375 KB) |
“An Act concerning the palliative use of marijuana.” The bill would allow qualifying patients to obtain medical marijuana “solely within [Connecticut] from a licensed dispensary.” | Introduced by the Judiciary Committee on Feb. 29, 2012; Referred to the Joint Committee on Judiciary on Mar. 1, 2012; Joint Committee on Judiciary voted 35-8 in favor of the bill on Mar. 21, 2012; Filed with Legislative Commissioners’ Office on Mar. 22, 2012; Referred by House to Committee on Public Health on Apr. 23, 2012; House Passed as Amended, 96-51, on Apr. 25, 2012; Senate Passed as Amended by House Amendment Schedule A, 21-13 (May 4, 2012)
The bill now goes to Governor Daniel P. Malloy, who released a statement (200 KB) on May 5, 2012 saying that he will sign the bill into law: “This legislation is about accomplishing one objective: providing relief to those with severe medical illnesses. I look forward to signing the bill when it reaches my desk.” |
| 3. Idaho | Summary | History (last action date) |
| House Bill: HB 370 (100 KB) |
“Idaho Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act: Compassion dictates that a distinction be made between medical and nonmedical uses of marijuana. Hence, the purpose of this chapter is to protect from arrest, prosecution, property forfeiture, and criminal and other penalties those patients who use marijuana to alleviate suffering from debilitating medical conditions, as well as their physicians, primary caregivers and those who are authorized to produce marijuana for medical purposes.” | Introduced by Rep. Tom Trail (R) on Jan. 17, 2012; Referred to State Affairs Committee (Jan. 18, 2012) |
| 4. Illinois | Summary | History (last action date) |
| House Bill: HB 0030 (100 KB) |
“Creates the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act,” allowing state-registered patients diagnosed by a physician as having a debilitating medical condition to cultivate medical marijuana or to obtain it from state-regulated dispensaries.”
Amendment 1 repeals the program after three years and prohibits patients from driving for 12 hours after consuming marijuana. Amendment 2 makes it illegal for dispensaries to make campaign contributions. Amendment 3 sets a $5,000 non-refundable application fee and $20,000 certificate fee for dispensaries. Amendment 4 “Excludes from the definition of ‘qualifying patient’ active public safety personnel.” |
Pre-filed with clerk by Deputy Majority Leader Lou Lang (D) on Dec. 28, 2010; First reading in the House and referral to Rules Committee on Jan. 12, 2011; Added chief co-sponsor Rep. Angelo Saviano (R) on Jan. 20, 2011; Added chief co-sponsor Rep. Ann Williams (D) on Jan. 21, 2011; Assigned to Human Services Committee on Feb. 8, 2011; House Committee Amendment No.1 filed, referred to Rules Committee, referred to Human Services Committee on Mar. 8, 2011; Adopted by voice vote in Human Services (6-5) and placed on calendar for 2nd reading on Mar. 9, 2011; Amendment 2 filed Apr. 12, 2011; Amendment 3 filed Apr. 22, 2011; Amendment 4 filed May 3, 2011; Third reading held May 4, 2011; Added chief co-sponsors Rep. Kenneth Dunkin (D) and Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D) on May 5, 2011; Added co-sponsor Rep. Kelly M. Cassidy (D) on May 18, 2011; Final action deadline extended to May 31, 2011 on May 27, 2011; Re-referred to Rules Committee (May 31, 2011)
The Illinois state legislature has a two-year session so the bill can be reconsidered in 2012. The legislature reconvened on Jan. 11, 2012. |
| Senate Bill: SB 1548 (150 KB) |
“Creates the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall issue a registry identification card to a qualified patient with a debilitating medical condition that allows the patient to possess no more than 2 ounces of dried usable cannabis and 6 cannabis plants, no more than 3 of which can be mature cannabis plants… Provides that the Act is repealed 3 years after its effective date.” | Filed by Sen. Haine (D) on Feb. 9, 2011; Assigned to Judiciary Committee on Feb. 23, 2011; Amended and passed by the Judiciary Committee on Mar. 15, 2011; Referred to Assignments (July 23, 2011)
The Illinois state legislature has a two-year session so the bill can be reconsidered in 2012. The legislature reconvened on Jan. 11, 2012. |
| 5. Kansas | Summary | History (last action date) |
| Senate Bill: SB 354 (150 KB) |
“An Act enacting the cannabis compassion and care act; providing for the legal use of cannabis for certain debilitating medical conditions; providing for the registration and functions of compassion centers; authorizing the issuance of identification cards.” | Introduced by Sen. David Haley (R) on Jan. 30, 2012; Referred to Committee on Public Health and Welfare on Jan. 31, 2012; Withdrawn from Committee on Public Health and Welfare and referred to Committee on Federal and State Affairs (Feb. 2, 2012) |
| 6. Maryland | Summary | History (last action date) |
| House Bill: HB 15 (300 KB) |
Maryland Medical Marijuana Act: “Authorizing the medical use of marijuana under specified circumstances; repealing criminal provisions that allow the imposition of a fine or the use of an affirmative defense for use or possession of marijuana or use or possession of drug paraphernalia related to marijuana under specified circumstances…” | Pre-filed by Delegate Cheryl Glenn (D) on Nov. 5, 2011; First reading in the Health and Government Operations & Judiciary Committee (Jan. 15, 2012) |
| 7. Massachusetts | Summary | History (last action date) |
| House Bill: HB 625 (100 KB) |
“The Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Act. It is the purpose of this act to protect patients with debilitating medical conditions, as well as their practitioners and designated caregivers, from arrest and prosecution, criminal and other penalties, and property forfeiture if such patients engage in the medical use of marijuana.” | Introduced by Rep. Frank I. Smizik (D) on Jan. 14, 2011; Referred to Joint Committee on Public Health on Jan. 24, 2011; Hearing held (July 12, 2011)
The bill is still active because Massachusetts has a two-year legislative session, which re-started on Jan. 3, 2012. |
| Senate Bill: SB 1161 (275 KB) |
“‘The Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Act.’ It is the purpose of this act to protect patients with debilitating medical conditions, as well as their practitioners and designated caregivers, from arrest and prosecution, criminal and other penalties, and property forfeiture if such patients engage in the medical use of marijuana.” | Introduced by Sen. Stanley Rosenberg (D) on Jan. 20, 2011; Referred to the Joint Committee on Public Health on Jan. 24, 2011; Hearing held (July 12, 2011)
The bill is still active because Massachusetts has a two-year legislative session, which re-started on Jan. 3, 2012. |
| Senate Bill: SB 818 (110 KB) |
“An Act relative to the arrest and prosecution for the possession of marihuana for medical purposes…
It shall be a prima facie defense to a charge of possession, manufacturing or trafficking of marihuana under this section if the defendant is a patient, caregiver or physician… Police officers shall have the right to exercise judgment in determining whether or not to arrest an individual…” |
Introduced by Sen. Thomas McGee (D) on Jan. 21, 2011; Referred to Joint Committee on the Judiciary (Jan. 24, 2011) The bill is still active because Massachusetts has a two-year legislative session, which re-started on Jan. 3, 2012. |
| 8. Missouri | Summary | History (last action date) |
| House Bill: HB 1421 (100 KB) |
“Changes the laws regarding the classification of marijuana as a controlled substance and allows its use for medicinal purposes under certain conditions.” | Introduced by Minority Whip Rep. Mike Colona (D) and read for the first time on Jan. 19, 2012; Read for the second time on Jan. 23, 2012; referred to the House Crime Prevention and Public Safety Committee (March 21, 2012) |
| 9. New Hampshire | Summary | History (last action date) |
| Senate Bill: SB 409 (115 KB) |
Allows qualifying patients who possess registration cards to possess six ounces of usable marijuana and up to six plants (plus 12 seedlings if the patient does not have a designated caregiver). | Introduced by Sen. Jim Forsythe (R) and referreed to the Health and Human Services Committee on Feb. 15, 2012; Hearing held (Mar. 8, 2012) |
| 10. New York | Summary | History (last action date) |
| Senate Bill: S2774 (150 KB) |
“Legalizes the possession, manufacture, use, delivery, transfer, transport or administration of marihuana by a certified patient or designated caregiver for a certified medical use;… directs the department of health to monitor such use and promulgate rules and regulations for registry identification cards.” Sets possession limit of 2.5 ounces. | Introduced by Senate Health Committee Chair Tom Duane (D) and referred to Health Committee on Feb. 1, 2011; Re-referred to Health Committee (Jan. 4, 2012)
The bill carried over to 2012 because New York has a two-year legislative session, which reconvened on Jan. 4, 2012. |
| Assembly Bill: A7347 (30 KB) |
“Legalizes the possession, manufacture, use, delivery, transfer, transport or administration of marihuana by a certified patient or designated caregiver for a certified medical use;… directs the department of health to monitor such use and promulgate rules and regulations for registry identification cards.” Sets possession limit of 2.5 ounces. | Introduced by Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard Gottfried (D) on May 2, 2011; Referred to Codes Committee on May 24, 2011; Referred to Ways and Means Committee on June 13, 2011; Referred to Rules Committee on June 15, 2011; Referred to Health Commttee (Jan. 4, 2012)
The bill carried over to 2012 because New York has a two-year legislative session, which reconvened on Jan. 4, 2012. |
| 11. Ohio | Summary | History (last action date) |
| House Bill: HB 214 (250 KB) |
“There is a presumption that a registered qualifying patient or visiting qualifying patient is engaged in the medical use of cannabis if the patient is in possession of a valid registry identification card or valid visiting qualifying patient identification card.” | Introduced by Rep. Kenny Yuko (D) and Rep. Robert Hagan (D) and assigned to the Health & Aging committee (Apr. 26, 2011)
The bill carried over to 2012 because Ohio has a two-year legislative session, which reconvened on Jan. 3, 2012. |
| 12. Pennsylvania | Summary | History (last action date) |
| Senate Bill: SB 1003 (75 KB) |
The Governor Raymond Shafer Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act provides “for the medical use of marijuana; and repealing provisions of law that prohibit and penalize marijuana use.” | Introduced by Sen. Daylin Leach (D) and referred to the Public Health and Welfare committee (Apr. 25, 2011)
The bill carried over to the 2012 legislative session, which began on Jan. 3, 2012. |
| House Bill: HB 1653 (85 KB) |
The Governor Raymond Shafer Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act provides “for the medical use of marijuana; and repealing provisions of law that prohibit and penalize marijuana use.” | Introduced by Rep. Mark Cohen (D) and referred to the House Health Committee on June 13, 2011; Referred to Human Services Committee (June 23, 2011)
The bill carried over to the 2012 legislative session, which began on Jan. 3, 2012.
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States with Pending Legislation That Is Favorable Towards Medical Marijuana But Would Not Legalize Its Use |
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| 1. Kentucky | Summary | History (last action date) |
| Senate Bill: SB 129(35 KB)[Editor's Note: SB 129 is considered largely symbolic and would not legalize medical marijuana because the bill uses the word "prescribe" and federal law prohibits marijuana from being prescribed.] |
“Amend and create various statutes in KRS Chapter 218A to make marijuana a schedule II drug with the limitation that a person for whom the drug has been prescribed may not possess more than five grams per month of the drug or have under cultivation more than five marijuana plants; create a new section of KRS Chapter 315 to require the Board of Pharmacy to establish a certification program for pharmacies seeking to dispense marijuana; designate this Act as the Gatewood Galbraith Memorial Medical Marijuana Act.” | Introduced by Sen. Perry B. Clark (D) and Sen. Kathy W. Stein (D) on Jan. 31, 2012; Assigned to the Judiciary Committee (Feb. 2, 2012)
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States Whose Medical Marijuana Bills Failed in 2012 |
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| 1. Indiana | Summary | History (last action date) |
| House Bill: HB 1370 (150 KB) |
“Requires the executive board of the state department of health to adopt rules to regulate registered medicinal marijuana cardholders, medicinal marijuana dispensaries, and registered medicinal marijuana dispensary employees. Provides that marijuana crimes do not apply in certain circumstances to medicinal marijuana cardholders, medicinal marijuana dispensaries, and registered medicinal marijuana dispensary employees.” | Introduced by Rep. Tom Knollman (R), coauthored by Rep. Mike White (D), received first reading and referred to Committee on Public Policy on Jan. 11, 2012; HB 1370 died in the Committee on Public Policy when the legislative session ended (Mar. 9, 2012) |
| 2. Iowa | Summary | History (last action date) |
| Senate File: SF 266 (100 KB) |
“An Act relating to the creation of a medical marijuana Act including the creation of nonprofit dispensaries, and providing for civil and criminal penalties and fees.”
Allows qualifying patients to possess no more than two and one-half ounces of usable marijuana and six marijuana plants. |
Introduced by Sen. Joe Bolkcom and referred to Human Resources on Feb. 21, 2011; Referred to Human Resources subcommittee (Feb. 22, 2011) SF 266 carried over when the legislature reconvened on Jan. 9, 2012 but did not advance out of committee. |
| 3. Kansas | Summary | History (last action date) |
| House Bill: HB 2330 (150 KB) |
“An Act enacting the cannabis compassion and care act; providing for the legal use of cannabis for certain debilitating medical conditions; providing for the registration and functions of compassion centers; authorizing the issuance of identification cards.” | Introduced by Rep. Gail Finney (D) on Feb. 11, 2011; Referred to Committee on Health and Human Services (Feb. 14, 2011)
The bill carried over to the 2012 when the new legislative session began on Jan. 9, 2012, and it received an informational hearing on Jan. 24, 2012. The bill died because it did not meet a committee deadline. |
| 4. Mississippi | Summary | History (last action date) |
| Senate Bill: SB 2252 (175 KB) |
“An act to authorize the medical use of marihuana by seriously ill patients under a physician’s supervision;… To provide and exemption from criminal and civil penalties for the medical use of marihuana;…to provide a legal defense for patients and primary caregivers…” | Introduced by Sen. Deborah Dawkins (D) and referred to the Judiciary Committee on Jan. 30, 2012; Died in committee (Mar. 6, 2012) |
| 5. Oklahoma | Summary | History (last action date) |
| Senate Bill: SB 573 (20 KB) |
The Compassionate Use Act of 2011 removes Oklahoma’s criminal penalties for a patient who “possesses or cultivates marijuana for the personal medical purposes of the patient upon the written or oral recommendation or approval of a physician.” | Introduced by Sen. Constance Johnson (D); First reading held Feb. 7, 2011; Second Reading and referral to Health and Human Services committee (Feb. 8, 2011) The bill carried over when the legislature reconvened on Feb. 6, 2012 but it died because it did not advance before the legislative deadline. |
| 2. Tennessee | Summary | History (last action date) |
| House Bill: HB 294(100 KB)[Editor's Note: HB 294 was considered largely symbolic and would not have legalized medical marijuana because the bill uses the word "prescribe" and federal law prohibits marijuana from being prescribed.] |
“This bill establishes the safe access program. To enroll in the program, a qualified patient must receive a prescription for medical marijuana from a practitioner, stating that in the practitioner’s professional opinion the potential benefits of the medical use of marijuana would likely outweigh the health risks for the qualifying patient. The prescription and safe access program enrollment completed at the participating pharmacy must specify the qualifying patient’s debilitating medical condition.” | Introduced by Rep. Jeanne Richardson (D) on Feb. 4, 2011; Referred to Health & Human Resources Committee on Feb. 9, 2011; Placed on calendar for Health and Human Resources Committee on Mar. 28, 2012; Taken off notice for calendar for Health and Human Resources Committee by the sponsor (Apr. 4, 2012) |
| Senate Bill: SB 251(100 KB)[Editor's Note: SB 251 was considered largely symbolic and would not have legalized medical marijuana because the bill uses the word "prescribe" and federal law prohibits marijuana from being prescribed.] |
“This bill establishes the safe access program. To enroll in the program, a qualified patient must receive a prescription for medical marijuana from a practitioner, stating that in the practitioner’s professional opinion the potential benefits of the medical use of marijuana would likely outweigh the health risks for the qualifying patient. The prescription and safe access program enrollment completed at the participating pharmacy must specify the qualifying patient’s debilitating medical condition.” | Introduced by Sen. Beverly Marrero (D) on Jan. 27, 2011; Referred to Government Operations Committee on Feb. 9, 2011; Recommended for pass by Government Operations Committee and referred to Health and Welfare Committee on Apr. 4, 2012; Failed in Health and Welfare Committee due to lack of motion to support the bill (Apr. 17, 2012) |
| 6. West Virginia | Summary | History (last action date) |
| House Bill: HB 4498 (200 KB) |
“Compassionate Use Act for Medical Cannabis; providing for protections for the medical use of cannabis;… registration of qualifying patients and designated care givers; issuance of registry identification cards; affirmative defense and dismissal for medical marihuana…” | Introduced by Rep. Mike Manypenny (D) and referred to Health and Human Resources Committee and Judiciary Committee (Feb. 10, 2012)
The bill is dead because it did not advance before the legislative session ended on Mar. 16, 2012. |
| 7. Wisconsin | Summary | History (last action date) |
| House Bill: HB 371 (120 KB) |
“This bill establishes a medical necessity defense to marijuana-related prosecutions and forfeiture actions…
A qualifying patient may invoke this defense if he or she acquires, possesses, cultivates, transports, or uses marijuana to alleviate the symptoms or effects of his or her debilitating medical condition or treatment, but only if no more than the maximum authorized amount of marijuana (12 marijuana plants and three ounces of marijuana leaves or flowers) is involved… The bill also prohibits the arrest or prosecution of a qualifying patient who… possesses a valid registry identification card, a valid out-of-state registry identification card, or a written certification… In addition, the bill prohibits the arrest or prosecution of or the imposition of any penalty on a physician who provides a written certification to a person in good faith.” |
Introduced by Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D) and Sen. Lena Taylor (D), read for the first time, and referred to Committee on Health on Jan. 9, 2012
The bill died because it did not advance prior to the legislative deadline (Mar. 23, 2012) |
With the aforementioned in mind, how about we look into the benefits of medicinal marijuana.
Procon.org reveals medicinal marijuana can help individuals suffering from AIDS (HIV) as well as AIDS Wasting, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, asthma/breathing disorders, crohn’s/gastrointestinal disorder, epilepsy/seizures, chronic nausea and glaucoma.
Hopefully, politicians will someday realize the benefits of medicinal marijuana and start using compassion instead of raiding legal dispensaries. Not only is it a massive waste of money and prison space, it is also just plain cruel.
After all what good is the Tenth Amendment if a state government does not have the right to execute the ability to legalize medical marijuana?
We need common sense reform and the amendment stated earlier would have been a step in the right direction.
Also, another way to go would be to explore libertarian presidential candidate, Gary Johnson’s views on the matter.
“Despite our best efforts at enforcement, education and interdiction, people continue to use and abuse illegal drugs.
The parallels between drug policy today and Prohibition in the 1920’s are obvious, as are the lessons our nation learned. Prohibition was repealed because it made matters worse. Today, no one is trying to sell our kids bathtub gin in the schoolyard and micro-breweries aren’t protecting their turf with machine guns. It’s time to apply that thinking to marijuana. By making it a legal, regulated product, availability can be restricted, under-age use curtailed, enforcement/court/incarceration costs reduced, and the profit removed from a massive underground and criminal economy.
By managing marijuana like alcohol and tobacco – regulating, taxing and enforcing its lawful use – America will be better off. The billions saved on marijuana interdiction, along with the billions captured as legal revenue, can be redirected against the individuals committing real crimes against society.”
Johnson elaborated further on his web site:
- “Abuse of hard drugs is a health problem that should be dealt with by health experts, not a problem that should be clogging up our courts, jails, and prisons with addicts. Instead of continuing to arrest and incarcerate drug users, we should seriously consider the examples of countries such as Portugal and the Netherlands, and we should ultimately choose to adopt policies which aim to reduce death, disease, violence, and crime associated with dangerous drugs.
- Honest, effective education will be key to succeeding with this transition. America has cut teen cigarette use in half, not by criminalizing possession and use, but through a combination of honest education and sensible regulation.
- We can never totally eliminate drug addiction and drug abuse. We can, however, minimize these harms and reduce the negative effects they have on society by making sure drug abusers are able to access effective treatment options (jail is not an effective treatment option).”
Whether marijuana would ever become legalized for recreational use is not even a blip on the governments radar, however, medicinal usages is at least being discussed more and may serve as a catalyst for wider acceptance.
Edited by Madison Ruppert
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Madison Ruppert is a Los Angeles-based independent journalist and researcher as well as the founder, owner, administrator and editor of EndtheLie.com. He has no affiliations with any government agencies, political parties, non-governmental organizations, or economic schools. He is available for freelance writing assignments and appearances or interviews in any format. He can be reached by emailing
It’s nothing short of a crime against humanity to refuse people the treatment the desperately need.
This is not only an issue of “States Rights”, but a Budgetary waste, as well. While these faux moralists continue to fund what is actually the continued war on HEMP (We can legally buy Hemp products from out of the Country-but can’t grow it here as nod to the Paper, Biofuel, Cotton, Prison Industry, and Big Pharma), Senators Stabenow and Roberts are trimming programs that were developing small business in Rural communities-one of the areas of our Economy still showing growth to cut $23 Billion from the 2012 Farm Bill to FUND this b******t. Time to drain the swamp!
amen brother, this is such a massive waste of money it’s not even funny but these bastards can’t hold down a real job so they have to give themselves job security by waging war on an unarmed plant.
The funniest part is that the plant is winning!