The House of Representatives voted Friday 219-189 to block the federal government from interfering with states who have legalized medicinal marijuana. The amendment was added to a bill that would fund the Department of Justice, and was added by Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA). Marijuana for medical purposes is legal in 21 states and the District of Columbia, and is legal for recreational purposes in Washington and Colorado.
Approval of marijuana for medical purposes remains high. Medical marijuana is used to treat a variety of ailments from Crohn's disease to chemotherapy side effects.
"Public opinion is shifting," Rohrabacher said, noting a recent Pew Research Center that found 61 percent of Republicans support medical marijuana. The numbers are higher for independents and Democrats.
"Despite this overwhelming shift of public opinion, the federal government continues its hard line of oppression against medical marijuana," he said.
Oregon Democrat Earl Blumenauer told opponents that "this train has already left the station."
The measure is now on to the Senate.
Kudos to the House of Representatives for standing up for the right of a state to create laws.
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