I contacted Rep. Waxman and urged him to support HR 5843.   This is his reply. 

May 13, 2008

Mr. Nick Adams
8335 1/4 Blackburn Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90048-4217

Dear Mr. Adams:

       Thank you for contacting me to express your support for
the legalization of recreational drug use.  I appreciate your taking
the time to get in touch.

       As you know, studies show that illegal drugs damage the
human brain, and many of these drugs have addictive properties
and take a huge toll on drug users, their families, and communities.
While I do not support the legalization of recreational drug use, I
believe that individuals suffering from terminal diseases such as
cancer and AIDS should receive compassionate pain relief through
drugs and therapies, including medicinal marijuana.  I have also
long advocated the use of needle exchange programs as an
effective public health measure.

       For decades, federal and state governments have pursued
anti-drug policies that stress punishment over prevention and
treatment.  As a result, first-time nonviolent drug offenders have
overwhelmed prison systems.  I believe we must bring balance to
our policy and have consistently supported significant increases in
funding for prevention and treatment programs.  I have also
strongly opposed mandatory sentencing laws for first-time
nonviolent offenders.

       Although we have a different perspective on this issue, I
appreciate your taking the time to contact me, and hope you will
stay in touch on issues of concern.

        To learn more about my work in Congress or sign up for periodic
e-mail updates, please visit www.house.gov/waxman and
www.oversight.house.gov.

       With kind regards, I am

Sincerely,

Henry A. Waxman
Member of Congress.

———————

My reply:

The Honorable Henry Waxman
2204 Rayburn House Office Building
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Rep. Waxman,

Thank you for your reply. In your letter you state the following:

As you know, studies show that illegal drugs damage the
human brain, and many of these drugs have addictive properties
and take a huge toll on drug users, their families, and communities.

First of all, we must keep this conversation specific to marijuana.  By using phrases like "illegal drugs" and "these drugs" you’re attempting to lump marijuana in with significantly more dangerous and physically addictive drugs like cocaine, heroin and meth.  That’s the same tactic used by the DEA, Partnership for a Drug Free America, etc.  You and I both know that this is a  scientifically and medically unsound comparison to make.  We know this, of course, because of the findings of doctors and scientists.  I pointed you toward some of those findings in my initial letter. As one of the many individuals whom you are charged with serving, I would appreciate it if you would refrain from using such transparent tactics in the future. Frankly, it’s an insult. 

I contacted you specifically about HR 5843.  This is a bill that would decriminalize possession of a substance that we know to be less harmful to the user and to society than alcohol, tobacco and prescription drugs.  Ironically all those substances can "damage the human brain…have addictive properties and take a huge toll on drug users, their families, and communities." 

I eagerly await a more logical and fact-based response. 

Sincerely,

Nick Adams