Pot in America

[kandrathe]

The Feds under the Obama administration have signaled a cease fire in the War on Drugs, at least when it comes to fighting against medicinal use of Mary Jane. I view this as both a good thing, and a bad thing.

It would be best if the Feds actually came out and said that Wickard v. Filburn was decided wrongly, and the federal government really doesn't have the right (through the Interstate Commerce Clause) to tell a person they may or may not grow wheat sufficient to feed their own chickens. Similarly, the federal government should have no right to tell adult citizens what they can smoke. That is, I guess, until the government controls and pays for your health care. Then they will tell you what to eat, and when to exercise as well I'd guess. I'm glad to see that States are fighting back against this Federal power grab that should have been undone decades ago.

It is bad, in that what the Fed is actually saying is that while they still consider it illegal, they aren't going to bother prosecuting it anymore. This is the highest form of capriciousness and opens the federal system to abuse by selective prosecution. It also means that for the time being, people can enjoy their Cannabis, however, the next administration may again decide to prosecute the now profligate industry.

So is it possible that the under the Federal prescription drug act that the government would buy people their medicinal marijuana? Amazing. Imagine taking your time machine back to 1968 and telling the hippies that in 2009 the government will be buying you your weed.