Rep. Boozman Speaks Against Medical Marijuana Congressman takes to the House Floor to oppose amendment that relaxes federal drug prohibitions
Rep. Boozman Speaks Against Medical Marijuana Congressman takes to the House Floor to oppose amendment that relaxes federal drug prohibitions
Addressing the Fort Smith Sertoma Club
U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today took to the Floor of the House of Representatives to oppose the Hinchey Amendment to the Science, State, Justice and Commerce Appropriations Bill. This amendment would relax federal marijuana prohibitions that are based on marijuana's status as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. The amendment failed by a vote of 163-259.
Below is the text of the statement Boozman made during the consideration of the Hinchey Amendment:
"I rise today in opposition to the amendment. As a member of the medical community, I understand the importance of effectively treating and preventing pain.
However, the medicinal use of smoked marijuana has been rejected by the American Medical Association, the American Cancer Society and other leading healthcare organizations.
The concern is that marijuana smokers are exposing themselves to a crude and harmful drug delivery system.
Marijuana smoke contains a variety of toxic chemicals that cause damage and may even exacerbate the underlying medical conditions.
The federal government has provided money for research into the medicinal use of THC, which is believed to be the primary chemical component responsible for marijuana's psychopharmacological effects. I support this approach.
As a result of such research, synthetic forms of THC have been available as an oral prescription drug for 20 years.
Ultimately, inhaling marijuana smoke and tar are not effective treatments for medical conditions.
For these reasons, and primarily because of the opposition of leading healthcare organizations, I must rise in opposition to the amendment. Thank you and I yield back the balance of my time."
U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) is a member of the Speaker's Task Force for a Drug Free America. Before being elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2001, Boozman practiced optometry for o
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