Ask Congress to include medical marijuana protections in the federal budget

Since 2014, Congress has included an amendment in the federal budget that prevents the Department of Justice from targeting medical marijuana patients and providers in states where it is legal.

Unfortunately, these protections are set to expire on December 8 unless both chambers of Congress, and more specifically, the Congressional conference committee, include the amendment in the FY 2018 federal budget.

Simply put, it will be a disaster for medical marijuana patients if these protections are not renewed. Businesses that provide safe and reliable access to medical marijuana in compliance with state law will be at risk of federal prosecution, which could make it very difficult for patients to get the medicine they need. Even patients themselves could be targets.

There are currently 29 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico, that have effective medical marijuana laws.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, whose opposition to marijuana policy reform has been well-noted, is just waiting for these protections to expire. In May, he sent a letter to lawmakers urging them to kill this amendment and reinstate his agency's ability to interfere with state medical marijuana programs. He's hoping that you don't speak up against him.

We have no time to lose! Please sign this petition asking your lawmakers to support state medical marijuana protections and urge their colleagues on the Congressional conference committee to do the same.