I found this post on WashingtonWatch via reddit and thought our readers would be interested in this tidbit of information.

H.R. 5843 is described as an "Act to Remove Federal Penalties for Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults". The bill has been introduced by US Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) and co-sponsored by US Presidential candidate Ron Paul (R-TX). If passed, this legislation would legalize the possession, use and non-for-profit of up to 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of Marijuana. Under this legislation, adults who consume Marijuana would no longer face arrest, prison or civil fines.

This bill will not affect federal laws prohibiting the sale of Marijuana for profit, nor the import, export and cultivation of Marijuana. It will also not alter the legal status of Marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug according to the Controlled Substances Act.

It seems that on 4/17/08 the act was referred to House committee as well as the Committee on Energy and Commerce, we will keep a close watch on this one. We'd have a kinder, gentler America with legalized Marijuana, as well as a cash surplus from taxing it.

"Not only should it be legalized, it should be mandatory." -Bill Hicks

CelebStoner caught the latest episode of Real Time with Bill Maher and posted news about the future of Marijuana legalization.

It didn't come as a huge shock to Bill Maher when Rep. Barney Frank announced on Real Time (Mar. 21) he plans to "file a bill as soon as we go back to remove all penalties for small amounts of marijuana." Barney Frank The two clearly had talked about this before the show.

I've always loved Bill and his various shows and stand up routines, is what Barney says really true? Will we see a change in the way Marijuana is seen by the US Government? Thanks to winosaur for the link.