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Ron Paul, Barney Frank Team Up to Legalize Pot

Pair will introduce first such bill in Congress

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 23, 2011 9:46 AM CDT

(Newser) – Ron Paul and Barney Frank—surely Congress’ version of the Odd Couple—are set to introduce a bill today that would end the federal prohibition on marijuana, allowing states to legalize, tax, and regulate the drug. The bill would also “reprioritize federal resources” away from enforcing drug laws and fighting drug smuggling, Politico reports.

It’s the first time such legislation has ever been introduced in Congress, according to the Marijuana Policy Project. They’re touting the bill as “bipartisan legislation,” though Paul is the only Republican cosponsor—four other Democrats are onboard. The group doesn’t expect it to pass, but “it’s definitely going to get a serious debate,” a spokesman tells Reason, though “probably more in the media than on the floor of the House.”

This Newser combo image shows Ron Paul and Barney Frank. (AP Photo)

U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Tx., gives a speech after announcing his plans to seek the Republican nomination for president at the town hall, Friday, May 13, 2011 in Exeter, N.H. (AP Photo/Jim Cole)

U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, speaks during a news conference at his newly opened Iowa campaign office, Tuesday, May 10, 2011, in Ankeny, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass. gestures to someone in the crowd as he waits to leave a campaign rally with former President Bill Clinton, not pictured, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in Taunton, Mass. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)

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Showing 3 of 106 comments

pjp1414

Jun 24, 2011 10:29 AM CDT

RON PAUL 2012

TheVEG

Jun 24, 2011 2:44 AM CDT

Even if the Feds decriminalize/"legalize" marijuana...then it comes down to the individual States. Will all 50 States decriminalize/"legalize" marijuana...Or will it remain "illegal" in certain States? Will the Feds keep funding individual States' anti-drug or police programs because of the other "illegal" drugs? Will the States' pigs at the trough keep using Fed money to "fight" marijuana/marijuana use because it's still illegal in their respective State? Will the Feds put a restriction on using Fed money for fighting "marijuana" even if it's illegal in their State? Etc..Etc... So many questions and it's just the tip of the iceberg. What these two propose doesn't sound like a serious start to ending the "fight" against marijuana. This looks more like a politician trying to score some brownie points. More propaganda BS.

activist

Jun 23, 2011 8:58 PM CDT

Help the bill pass - Sign the petition to "Change the Schedule of Cannabis, Cannabis Laws, and Drug Czar Laws". Read and sign the petition at http://www.change.org/petitions/change-the-schedule-of-cannabis-cannabis-laws-and-drug-czar-laws Each signature sends an email petition letter to both Senators and the House Representative of the signer. After you sign send an email invite, share on facebook or twitter from the petition page. Be sure your Representatives know you want change!

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Ron Paul, Barney Frank Team Up to Legalize Pot

Pair will introduce first such bill in Congress

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marijuana • Ron Paul • marijuana legalization • legalization • Barney Frank

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