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DrugScreening.org


 
DEA Nominee Pledges to Pursue Medical-Marijuana Users
July 17, 2003

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News Summary

Karen Tandy, who was confirmed by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee to head the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), said she is committed to pursuing medical-marijuana users and providers, Working for Change reported July 16.

Tandy's appointment was not promising news to Suzanne Pfiel, a medical-marijuana user who is partially paralyzed from post-polio syndrome. Pfiel presented a letter to Tandy at the Senate confirmation hearings that described how she was in bed last September when DEA agents raided the Wo/Men's Alliance for Medical Marijuana in California.

Not realizing she was paralyzed, agents pointed their automatic rifles at Pfiel and demanded that she get out of bed while they destroyed the hospice's stock of medical marijuana.

"I just hope she reads my letter and shows some compassion," said Pfiel.

Regarding enforcement of federal laws against state-approved medical-marijuana providers, Tandy said, "DEA's priorities should reflect the need to encourage adherence to the law. It is not improper for the government to prosecute individuals who make a point of disobeying the law, and encouraging others to disobey it, even if the disobedience is said to be for reasons of conscience."

Tandy also said she would continue to conduct raids on state-approved medical marijuana patients and providers

"It will be my duty to see to the uniform enforcement of federal law. I do not believe it would be consistent with that duty for me to support a moratorium on enforcement of this law, or any law, in selected areas of the country."

The full U.S. Senate will vote on Tandy's nominations shortly. No opposition from lawmakers is expected.

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