New bipartisan push for medical marijuana

There's now bipartisan support in Congress for medical marijuana.
 
The controversial medical treatment took center stage in Georgia earlier this year, but failed.
 
Channel 2's Justin Gray is covering the new push in Congress to protect medical marijuana users.
 
Even in states where medical marijuana is legal, the Drug Enforcement Agency can and has raided medical marijuana operations that follow all state rules.
 
This bill that passed the Republican-controlled House says the federal government wouldn't be able to do that anymore.
  
Medical marijuana is legal in 29 states. In Georgia, it was one of the most emotional issues of this year's legislative session.
 
But in the House of Representatives, the argument isn't about legalizing medical marijuana, but about getting out of the way of states that have.
 
Athens congressman Paul Broun, one of the most conservative members of Congress, was one of the authors of the law.
 
"It's a very valuable medical use under the direction of a doctor. It's actually less dangerous than some narcotics doctors prescribe all over this country," saidBroun (R), 10th District representative.
 
The bill that passed the House 219 to 189 denies funding to the DEA or Justice Department for any action against medical marijuana in the states that have legalized it.
 
"Some people are suffering. If a doctor feels he needs to prescribe something to elevate that suffering it is immoral for this government to get in the way," said Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R).
 
Georgia's congressional delegation was split on the bill. Critics say it ignores federal law.
 
"Marijuana is neither safe nor legal. Let's get it straight : the control substance act makes marijuana in the United States illegal," said Rep. Andy Harris (R), Maryland.

WSBTV