HOUSE VOTES TO CONTINUE ALLOWING FEDERAL PROSECUTION OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA USERS

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The House on Wednesday voted to continue to allow
federal prosecution of those who smoke marijuana for medical purposes
in states with laws that permit it.

A year ago, the Supreme Court ruled that the federal government can
prosecute medical marijuana users, even when state laws allow
doctor-prescribed use of the drug.

By a 259-163 vote, the House again turned down an amendment that
would have blocked the Justice Department from prosecuting people in
the 11 states with such medical marijuana laws.

Advocates say medical marijuana use is the only way that many
chronically ill people, such as AIDS and cancer patients, can relieve
their symptoms.

The vote came as the House debated a $59.8 billion bill covering the
departments of Commerce, Justice and State.

"If the voters have seen to it and a doctor agrees, it's a travesty
for the government to intercede ... to get in the way of someone
using something to alleviate their suffering," said Rep. Dana
Rohrabacher, R-Calif. "This is something that should be left to the
states as American tradition dictates."

"Marijuana is not harmless as some claim," said Rep. Tom Latham,
R-Iowa. "Marijuana continues to be the most widely abused drug in the
United States."

Opponents of the amendment said Marinol, a government-approved
prescription drug that contains the active ingredient in marijuana,
offers comparable relief for pain and nausea.

Eight states -- Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Montana, Nevada,
Oregon and Washington -- have legalized medical marijuana by voter
referendums. The legislatures of three others -- Hawaii, Rhode Island
and Vermont -- have legalized the practice. All require a doctor's approval.