cannabisnews.com: Barr-ing Democracy...House Reinstates Ban On MMJ Barr-ing Democracy...House Reinstates Ban On MMJ Posted by FoM on July 30, 1999 at 10:17:23 PT NORML Weekly Update News Source: NORML July 29, 1999, Washington, D.C.: The House approved by a voice vote an amendment to the D.C. Appropriations bill today that reinstates a controversial provision barring the D.C. Board of Elections from implementing last November's medical marijuana initiative. "Congress is holding democracy hostage and contributing to the needless suffering of seriously ill District residents who could benefit from legal medical marijuana," NORML Executive Director R. Keith Stroup, Esq. said. The amendment, introduced by Georgia Rep. Bob Barr (R) prohibits D.C. officials from spending any funds "to enact or carry out any law, rule, or regulation to legalize or otherwise reduce penalties associated with the possession, use, or distribution" of marijuana. The resolution is aimed at preventing District officials from implementing the District's yet uncounted vote on Initiative 59, which would legalize the use of medical marijuana under a doctor's supervision. Congress approved legislation last year barring D.C. officials from counting the results of the I-59 vote. Barr's new amendment differs from his previous one, which will expire on October 1, because it allows officials to tabulate the vote, but not enact it.Exit polls indicate that nearly 70 percent of District voters approved I-57.For more information, please contact:Keith Stroup NORML (202) 483-5500.http://www.norml.org/news/index.shtml#story1House Rejects D.C. Marijuana, Needle Efforts - 7/30/99 http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread2275.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Post Comment Name: Optional Password: E-Mail: Subject: Comment: [Please refrain from using profanity in your message] Link URL: Link Title: