It doesn't sound like Mr. Burgess is listening to the voters/patients

Dear Mr. Cross: Thank you for contactingme regarding H.R. 2306, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011.I appreciate hearing from you on this important matter. As you may know, Congressman Barney Frank (D – Massachusetts) introduced H.R. 2306 on June 23, 2011. This legislation would limit the application of federal laws to the distribution and consumption of marijuana. H.R. 2306 has been referred to the House Committees on the Judiciary and Energy and Commerce for further consideration. The United States is fighting a costly war against drugs, in terms of dollars and lives that are irrevocably changed by this modern day scourge. It is my opinion that any legalization of substances such as marijuana will undermine the ongoing efforts by the drug enforcement community to curb this epidemic that has consumed so many Americans. Marijuana is a controlled substance, and legalizing or relaxing criminal penalties on the drug will only open the doors for further illegal activities. I will continue to support efforts on the part of the federal government to interdict drug shipments into the United States, pursue individuals that violate U.S. drug laws, provide adequate treatment to individuals addicted to drugs, and support public education campaigns that warn against the perils of illegal drug use. Federal, state, and local governments must work together on all these fronts to slow the flow of drugs into the U.S. and to lower the demand in this country for illegal substances. I am a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has concurrent jurisdiction over H.R. 2306. While we may not see eye-to-eye on this issue, please knowthat I will keep your views in mind as H.R. 2306 moves through the legislative process. Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me. I appreciate having the opportunity to represent you in the U.S. House of Representatives. Please feel free to visit my website (www.house.gov/burgess) or contact me with any future concerns. Sincerely, Michael C. Burgess, M.D. Member of Congress