In a historic move, in 2001, Representatives Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) and Sam Farr (D-CA) introduced the Rohrabacher–Farr amendment, a federal spending amendment that would prohibit the Department of Justice (DOJ) from using federal funds to interfere with state medical marijuana programs.

The amendment was introduced as a response to the growing number of states that have legalized medical marijuana, despite it still being illegal at the federal level. The amendment would provide much-needed protection for these state-legal medical marijuana programs and the patients who rely on them.

This marked a significant shift in the national conversation around marijuana policy. Historically, the federal government has taken a hardline stance against marijuana, but this amendment showed that there is now bipartisan support for protecting state medical marijuana programs.

The amendment has already gained support from a number of organizations, including the Marijuana Policy Project and Americans for Safe Access. “This is a huge step forward for medical marijuana patients and their providers,” said MPP’s Deputy Director, Mason Tvert. “It is time for Congress to put an end to the federal government’s war on medical marijuana.”

The Rohrabacher–Farr amendment will now be considered as part of the appropriations process. If it passes, it would be a major victory for medical marijuana patients, providers, and advocates across the country. This amendment could also potentially pave the way for further marijuana policy reform at the federal level. It is worth to mention that this is not yet a law, just an amendment to a bill that still needs to be passed. Perhaps we could see it pass in the next decade if Congress puts it to a vote or adds it to an omnibus package.

This is a continuously developing story, and we will continue to update as more information becomes available.