After expert testimony by DPFT Executive Director Dr. Al Robison and others, bills to help enable the sick to use marijuana medically and also to reduce penalties passed out of committee but did not come to a floor vote. Visitors to this site are encouraged to ask their own newspapers to open debate on the subject and to express their feelings to their representatives. DPFT would like to hear from you too. The trend to decriminalize marijuana continues to gather momentum across the country. In Columbus, Ohio, voters might get the opportunity in November to decide on whether to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana.
Decriminalization is long past due.
Government and academic studies have demonstrated that the naturally occurring plant is not addictive and is less harmful than alcohol. It is virtually impossible to die from a marijuana overdose. Republican Gov. Gary E. Johnson of New Mexico makes that point clear. And no reported deaths from marijuana. Claims by drug warriors that marijuana is a gateway drug to harder substances such as heroin are simply not proven.