The Ninth Circuit of Appeals heard oral arguments on Tuesday in the lawsuit brought by Angel Raich and Diane Monsoon against the federal government.

Many of the same issues raised during a similar appeal by several medical cannabis dispensaries three weeks ago were discussed, including Congress's power to regulate intrastate commerce, state's rights, fundamental right to relief from suffering, and interference of liberty by the DEA.  The difference in this case lies with the fact that Raich and Monson are not engaged in distributing medical marijuana, but are merely seeking the right to use and grow medicine for themselves in accordance with Proposition 215 without fear of federal prosecution.

Decisions on both this case and the one brought by the medical cannabis dispensaries are anticipated in the next five to six months.