Medical Marijuana

Congressman Souder's Position

As part of a broader drug legalization strategy, groups funded by billionaire liberals George Soros and Peter Lewis have focused on the issue of so-called “medical” marijuana. Often exploiting terminally ill patients, they have used political campaigns and referenda throughout the United States to circumvent the science of the issue and change marijuana laws in more than 10 states.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the agency charged with protecting the health of Americans, has never found smoked marijuana to be a safe and effective drug. In April 2006, following my request, the FDA released an interagency advisory confirming that smoked marijuana is not medicine because: (1) marijuana has a high potential for abuse; (2) it has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States; and (3) it has a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. The advisory also stated: “…there is currently sound evidence that smoked marijuana is harmful.”

The FDA has approved Marinol, however, and I support the availability of this prescription drug, which is currently available to patients. Marinol pills contain synthetic THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.

In June 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court (in the case Gonzalez v. Raich, and in a 6-3 decision) upheld Congress’ ability to regulate the illegal production and distribution of marijuana. Attempting to circumvent the FDA, pro-drug advocates had argued that “medical” marijuana is exempt from federal regulation. Along with other Members of Congress, I had filed an amicus brief in this case, and I was pleased with the court’s ruling.

In Congress, amendments have been offered to bar the federal government from enforcing drug laws in certain states. I will continue to oppose such legislative efforts, which have failed convincingly, and with bipartisan support, over the years.