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Learn the Business of I-28
Portlandsterdam University
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U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein
responding to Medical Marijuana
Dear Mr. Friedman:
Thank you for writing to me to express your concerns regarding the U.S.
Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) raids on medical marijuana
facilities in California. I appreciate hearing from you and welcome the
opportunity to respond.
Federal agents recently served search warrants to ten facilities
operating in Los Angeles County. Although Californians voted in 1996 to
amend State law and permit patients with a doctor's approval to grow or
possess marijuana for medical use, this practice remains illegal under
Federal law. Further, in a 2005 decision, Gonzales vs. Raich, the
Supreme Court held that Congressional authority under the Commerce
Clause includes the power to prohibit the local cultivation and use of
marijuana even if State law permits such actions. In other words, those
who use marijuana for medical treatment in compliance with State law may
still risk investigation by the DEA.
I understand the concerns you raise about the current legal
classification of marijuana and the conflicts between State and Federal
laws. While I do not support the legalization of any narcotic drug for
recreational use, please know that I do recognize that marijuana may
have medicinal properties that could alleviate conditions such as
AIDS-related wasting and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Given
this, I am examining if changes to Federal law are necessary. Please
know that I will certainly keep your thoughts in mind should the Senate
consider medical marijuana-related issues in the future.
Once again, thank you for writing. I hope you will continue to write
on matters of importance to you. Best regards.
Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator
Further information about my position on issues of concern to California
and the Nation are available at my website
http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/. You can also receive electronic
e-mail updates by subscribing to my e-mail list at
http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ENewsletterSignu
p.Signup.
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