[Mtnorml-list] Incredible: Congress considering marijuana decrim

[Montana NORML]

Hi everyone:

In an astonishing development that we are tardy in bringing to your 
attention, the United States Congress is reviewing a bill (H.R. 5843) 
which would remove criminal penalties for adult possession, and 
not-for-profit transfer of up to 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of marijuana. 
This is the first time such a bill has been considered in over 20 years.

The bill is sponsored by Barney Frank (MA) and co-sponsored by Ron Paul.


But wait, there's more. Also under consideration is H.R. 5842, the 
"Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act", which would create legal 
recognition of medical marijuana at the federal level.


WHAT YOU CAN DO:

These are House bills, so our sole representative Denny Rehberg is our 
voice in Congress on this issue. Representative Rehberg has previously 
switched his vote to support legislation supporting of Montana's medical 
marijuana law, and so there's a chance he'd consider supporting this 
bill as well -- but only if he hears from you.


This is easy:

Call 202-225-3211 and speak with his staff. They are gracious and simply 
need to be told, "I'm a constituent from [your town], and I have a 
message for the Congressman. I'd like to urge him to support H.R. 5843, 
The Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults Act of 2008".

You can also email him either directly:
http://www.house.gov/rehberg/issue.shtml

Or using a convenient advocacy form, such as:

NORML: http://tinyurl.com/6ycdyv
MPP: http://tinyurl.com/3etyb6


Medical marijuana bill: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c110:H.R.5842:

Personal Use bill:
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c110:H.R.5843:


Letters to the editor of you local newspaper can also be effective -- 
both to educate the public, but also to provide localized evidence of 
support which is monitored by public officials.



Thanks all!


- MT NORML Team