Yes, the government can make a federal case out of medical marijuana use, the House said Wednesday.
Less than a week ago, the Supreme Court ruled that the government can prosecute medical marijuana users, even when state laws permit doctor-prescribed use of the drug. In response, the House rejected a bid by advocates to undercut the decision.
By a 264-161 vote, the House turned down an amendment that would have blocked the Justice Department from prosecuting people in the 10 states where the practice is legal.
Advocates say it is the only way that many chronically ill people, such as AIDS and cancer patients, can relieve their symptoms.
"It is unconscionable that we in Congress could possibly presume to tell a patient that he or she cannot use the only medication that has proven to combat the pain and symptoms associated with a devastating illness," said Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-N.Y., who sponsored the amendment.
Opponents said the amendment would undercut efforts to combat marijuana abuse. They said Marinol, a government-approved prescription drug that contains the active ingredient in marijuana, offers comparable relief.
"Marijuana has never been proven as safe and effective for any disease," said Rep. Mark Souder, R-Ind. "Marijuana can increase the risk of serious mental health problems, and in teens, marijuana use can lead to depression, thoughts of suicide, and schizophrenia."
Oregon Democratic Reps. Peter DeFazio and Earl Blumenauer supported the amendment. Oregon is one of 10 states that permit doctors to prescribe medical marijuana.
‘This is about states' rights’
"This provision is not about legalizing marijuana, or preventing law enforcement from carrying out their mission. This is about states' rights, plain and simple," DeFazio said.
Far from condoning drug abuse, the amendment was "about helping people who are suffering from debilitating pain," added Blumenauer. "Imposing harsh sentences for those who are legitimately trying to control their own pain makes no sense at all."
The vote came as the House debated a $57.5 billion bill covering the departments of Commerce, Justice and State.
Proponents of medical marijuana had hoped to gain momentum following the high court's ruling. A poll commissioned by the Marijuana Policy Project found that respondents, by a 68-18 percent margin, believe that medical marijuana users should not face federal prosecution.
The poll, conducted June 8-11 by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research, also found that 65 percent of those surveyed favored doctor-prescribed medical marijuana, with 20 percent opposed.
A similar amendment last year was defeated by a comparable margin.
"A lot of these guys voting against it are just afraid because it's a 'drug issue,'" said Rep. Sam Farr, D-Calif.
Separately, the House narrowly rejected an amendment to block restrictions on gift parcels shipped to Cuba.
The 216-210 vote reversed a trend in recent years of rising sentiment in Congress in favor of relaxing penalties against Cuba. The House passed a similar amendment last year by a 221-194 vote.
At issue are tighter restrictions imposed a year ago on package shipments, including those sent to Cubans by people in the United States.
"We are not going to prop up the regime in Cuba by sending toothpaste and toilet paper," said Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz.
According to a White House policy statement, "It is essential to maintain sanctions and travel restrictions to deny economic resources to the brutal" rule of President Fidel Castro.