During an interview with noted cannabis turncoat and CNN’s chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta, President Obama was asked how he feels about the CARERS Act, a historic bill introduced by Senators Corey Booker (D-NJ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Rand Paul (R-KY) that would reschedule cannabis on a federal level.
Much to the delight of all of the cannabis supporters watching at home, President Obama responded in the affirmative, albeit tentatively, saying our country should "follow the science as opposed to some idealogy" when it comes to cannabis prohibition:
“You know, I think I’d have to take a look at the details. I’m on the record as saying that not only do I think carefully prescribed medical use of marijuana may in fact be appropriate and we should follow the science as opposed to some ideology on this issue, but I’m also on the record as saying that the more we treat some of these issues related to drug abuse from a public health model and not just from an incarceration model, the better off we’re going to be.”
The CARERS Act would provide the most comprehensive overhaul to cannabis in the United States. It would reclassify cannabis as a Schedule II drug, which would open the door to expanded government-funded medical research and would allow states to continue their medical marijuana programs without fear of persecution.
The threat of arrest is very real for medical patients, caregivers, and those who operate in the cannabis industry – even as they’re operating within the legal guidelines of state law, the federal government could crack down at any moment. Just ask the owners of the Werc Shop, a reputable California testing facility that was raided last week. They were providing a safe, beneficial service for medical marijuana patients, but now they’re facing charges of manufacturing a controlled substance.
Support from President Obama for the CARERS Act could really make a difference in whether this bill has a fighting chance in Congress.
If you believe the CARERS Act could revolutionize cannabis in the United States, contact your senators or representatives and tell them why they should vote yes on the CARERS Act:
- Find your representative or call your senator
- Call (202) 225-3131 — House members can be reached through the Capitol switchboard
- Write a letter to your Senator using the below language as a guideline:
Dear Senator _______,
I am writing to urge you to support the CARERS Act recently introduced by Senators Gillibrand, Booker, and Paul. This act would revolutionize cannabis in the United States. By removing cannabis as a Schedule I drug, this opens the doors for doctors to prescribe the drug legally and will provide a safeguard for states with medical cannabis systems. Federal restrictions have been an obstacle and it is imperative that we reconcile these differences between federal and state laws in order for the country to move forward. Please support the CARERS Act for your constituents, for medical marijuana patients, and for advocates across the state. Thank you for your time.
photo credit: DIG13623-324 via photopin(license)
