Reps. Ron Paul (R-TX) and Barney Frank (D-MA) introduced a bipartisan bill...

[hiamps]

Ron Paul, Barney Frank Introduce Bill That Would End Pot Prohibition : The Two-Way : NPR

Reps. Ron Paul (R-TX) and Barney Frank (D-MA) introduced a bipartisan bill today that would remove the federal prohibition on marijuana. The bill would instead let states legalize, regulate and tax marijuana.

USA Today reports the bill is being championed by a legalization advocacy group:

The Marijuana Policy Project highlights that 46.5% of Californians voted for Proposition 19. It also cites a report released this month by the Global Commission on Drug Policy that slammed the decades-old war on drugs and called on governments to take a look at decriminalizing marijuana and other drugs.

The bill by Frank and Paul would "end state/federal conflicts over marijuana policy, re-prioritize federal resources and provide more room for states to do what is best for their own citizens," the group says.

Politico says the legislation is modeled after the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, which repealed the federal prohibition on alcohol and handed that responsibility to the states. Quoting the Marijuana Policy Project, Politico reports it's "the first bill ever introduced in Congress to end federal marijuana prohibition."

But, as CNN money puts it, the bill is a long shot. But part of the point, adds CNN, is to start a conversation.

The bill is co-sponsored by Reps. John Conyers (D-MI), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Jared Polis (D-CO), and Barbara Lee (D-CA).

Update at 5:49 p.m. ET. The Bill Is Introduced:

We've updated our lede and headline to reflect that Frank and Paul have introduced the bill in the House. The AP reports that Frank said "he's not advocating marijuana use, but believes that criminal prosecution is a waste of resources and an intrusion on personal freedom."

hiamps Reviewed by hiamps on 06-29-2011. Reps. Ron Paul (R-TX) and Barney Frank (D-MA) introduced a bipartisan bill... Ron Paul, Barney Frank Introduce Bill That Would End Pot Prohibition : The Two-Way : NPR Reps. Ron Paul (R-TX) and Barney Frank (D-MA) introduced a bipartisan bill today that would remove the federal prohibition on marijuana. The bill would instead let states legalize, regulate and tax marijuana. USA Today reports the bill is being championed by a legalization advocacy group: The Marijuana Policy Project highlights that 46.5% of Californians voted for Proposition 19. It also cites a Rating: 5

[killerweed420]

Zero chance of being passed but at least it helps start the movement at the federal level.

[KarolinaKronic]

Introduced last week. Committe head from Texas said it will never see the floor as long as he is the chairman. One man holding back the will of millions. His name is Lamar Smith and he is an ignorant fuck. He is refusing to allow debate on the topic. These are dangerous days to keep your boot on the necks of Americans. Crazy people are everywhere. I hope that he will at least alow debate and none of the nuts to anything stupid that could be used against the movement.

[hiamps]

I guess, he is even against planned parenthood. Lamar Smith looks like a goon also with his fake smile...

[killerweed420]

Troubling times. Politicians don't seem to be paying attention to whats going on out on the streets. I imagine by summer of next year they will get a wakeup call.
Wait till they start the austerity measures. Another reason the MMJ movement will be be set back for a while.