Rep. Barney Frank announced a proposal (HR 5843) to stop federal penalties for carrying fewer than almost a quarter-pound of marijuana (100 grams) today. A Democrat from Massachusetts, Frank stated that

“The vast amount of human activity ought to be none of the government’s business, I don’t think it is the government’s business to tell you how to spend your leisure time.”

The key behind a lot of this policy is not to promote drug use, but to stop arrests - which as Reps. William Lacy Clay, D-Missouri, and Barbara Lee, D-California pointed out, usually only target people of color.

“Ending arrests is the key to marijuana policy reform,” he said.

Clay said he did not condone drug use but opposes using tax dollars to pursue what he feels is an arcane holdover from “a phony war on drugs that is filling up our prisons, especially with people of color.” [CNN]

We’ll have to wait and see what happens - but I for one am all for this and agree with the sentiments of Mr. Clay. Working in Queensbridge for 2 years showed me how the system is undeniably there to hurt citizens of color. I know many kids whose family members are in jail for petty drug charges, while at the same time I have numerous white friends who smoke pot and never have to think twice about it.

takepart to learn more about the Drug Policy Alliance Network and how you can support drug laws that promote science, compassion, health and human rights.

Also - on a less serious note, I am somewhat amused that this policy is being introduced exactly one week before Pineapple Express opens - which I should note is being directed by David Gordon Green - a great independent filmmaker - this suggests to me the film will be better than the silly trailer below, which is still pretty great).

Read on:

• Legislators aim to snuff out penalties for pot us

photo by trisheroverton