March 23, 2008 Cong. Barney Frank to file bill for legalization of Marijuana Play video

(NECN) - Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank says he is going to file a bill to legalize Marijuana.

During an appearance on HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher, Frank said the bill would remove all federal penalties for the possession or use of small amounts of Marijuana.

He didn't specify how much he considers a small amount.

He said locking people up for smoking Marijuana is quote "pretty silly."

Frank said he'd filed a similar bill in the Massachusetts Legislature in the 1970s.

He said he'd call the federal legislation the "Make Room for Serious Criminals" bill.