While it may seem like a victory for marijuana reform activists, Barney Frank's new bill is a wolf in sheep's clothing.

"Introduced by Congressman Barney Frank (D-Mass.), this legislation aims to reduce the number of non-violent prisoners and free up law enforcement resources by eliminating federal criminal penalties for possession of up to 3.5 ounces of marijuana, and the not-for-profit transfer of an ounce of marijuana."

So we’re giving cartels a free ride? I’m sorry to say this, but this proposal stinks. Police are going to have a much harder time with whether a transfer is not-for-profit or for-profit. If anything, crime should increase.

As I’ve been saying, decriminalization is NOT THE ANSWER. We combat crime and possible health risks with organizations that are state-(or maybe even federally-)inspected selling clean, regulated marijuana to people 21 and over. We put laws down that restrict use of marijuana in certain areas (just like alcohol). We don’t cap people’s limit of marijuana because that’s utterly ridiculous.

I cannot in good conscience support a bill that not only confuses police as to what is legal marijuana but also makes it much harder to know if the marijuana has any additional chemicals in it.

This has “DANGEROUS” written all over it.

We may have gained traction in Congress regarding the issue of marijuana reform, but we must be patient. Rushing the issue and getting decriminalization will if anything increase crime and public safety hazards.