The National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR) - Where the Federal Government grows pot.
Americans For Safe Access reports that The “Truth in Trials” Act enables individuals facing federal prosecution for marijuana-related offenses to provide evidence during trial that the activities they were engaged in were performed in compliance with their state’s duly-enacted medical marijuana laws. The “Truth in Trials” Act is not about the merits of medical cannabis. Instead, the bill would restore fundamental fairness in federal trials concerning the use or provision of marijuana solely for medical purposes and in accordance with state law.
Official Summary
10/27/2009--Introduced.Truth in Trials Act - Amends the federal criminal code to:
(1) allow any person on trial for a federal marijuana-related offense to introduce evidence that the alleged marijuana-related activities were performed in compliance with state law regarding the medical use of marijuana;
(2) allow an affirmative defense to a marijuana prosecution that the alleged marijuana-related activities complied with state law regarding the medical use of marijuana;
(3) limit the criminal liability of persons convicted of federal marijuana-related offenses;
(4) require the preservation and return (if a defendant is acquitted) of property seized in connection with a marijuana prosecution; and
(5) prohibit the seizure of plants grown or stored under a physician's recommendation or by order of a state or municipal agency in accordance with state law regarding the medical use of marijuana.
To read the proposed bill click here.
Photo above: The National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR) is the only facility in the United States which is federally licensed to cultivate cannabis for scientific research. In addition to cultivating cannabis, NCNPR is responsible for analyzing seized marijuana for potency trends, herbicide residuals (paraquat) and fingerprint identification. NCNPR is licensed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and also researches and develops chemicals derived from plants, marine organisms, and other natural products.
While 11 states have legalized the medical use of marijuana, a 2005 U.S. Supreme Court decision allows for the arrest of any individual caught using it for this purpose. Nearly half of the annual arrests for drug violations involve marijuana possession or trafficking.
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