Truth in Trials

The “Truth in Trials” Act enables individuals facing federal prosecution for marijuana-related offenses to provide evidence during trial that the activities they were engaged in were performed in compliance with their state’s duly-enacted medical marijuana laws. The “Truth in Trials” Act is not about the merits of medical cannabis. Instead, the bill would restore fundamental fairness in federal trials concerning the use or provision of marijuana solely for medical purposes and in accordance with state law.

Why is “Truth in Trials” necessary?

Currently, 13 states have laws governing the medical use of marijuana. However, when medical marijuana patients or their care providers are prosecuted by the federal government, they are prohibited by from introducing evidence which demonstrates that they were acting in accordance with and pursuant to state law.Truth in Trials is a logical and necessary complement to the Obama Administration's new medical marijuana policy guidelines. Unfortunately, those recently issued DOJ guidelines do not direct U.S. Attorneys to permit evidence at trial that might exonerate defendants in medical marijuana cases. This legislation would ensure that defendants have the ability to defend themselves and present evidence that may demonstrate compliance with state law.