Thank you for contacting me in support of H.R. 525, the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2013. I always appreciate hearing from my constituents, and I am glad to receive your input on this important issue.
Industrial hemp can be used for food, fuel, and a variety of commercial products. Because like marijuana it comes from the Cannabis sativa plant, it is regulated by federal law and cannot be grown without a permit from the Drug Enforcement Agency. As you may know, H.R. 525 would exclude industrial hemp from the definition of marijuana.
I believe we need a more rational policy with respect to issues relating to marijuana. For example, I am a cosponsor of bills to allow more freedom at the state level regarding marijuana policy. These bills include H.R. 499, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act, H.R. 501, the Marijuana Tax Equity Act, H.R. 689, the States' Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act, H.R. 710, the Truth in Trials Act, and H.R. 784, the States' Medical Marijuana Property Rights Protection Act.
As you may know, states have taken a variety of approaches with respect to marijuana, including legalization, decriminalization, and allowing its use of medicinal purposes. For example, California has decriminalized small amounts of marijuana and allows its medical use. However, federal law continues to treat marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance, the most restrictive of the five schedules.
Again, I want to thank you for taking the time to share your views, and I certainly will keep them in mind. I encourage you to visit my website at swalwell.house.gov. On my website, you can view my voting record, sign up for my e-newsletter, and access my Twitter and Facebook pages. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Eric Swalwell
Member of Congress
