(CNN) -- The U.S. should stop arresting responsible marijuana users, Rep. Barney Frank said Wednesday, announcing a proposal to end federal penalties for Americans carrying fewer than 100 grams, almost a quarter-pound, of the substance. Rep. Barney Frank's bill would radically curb federal penalties for personal marijuana use. Current laws targeting marijuana users place undue burdens on law enforcement resources, punish ill Americans whose doctors have prescribed the substance and unfairly affect African-Americans, said Frank, flanked by legislators and representatives from advocacy groups. "The vast amount of human activity ought to be none of the government's business," Frank said on Capitol Hill. "I don't think it is the government's business to tell you how to spend your leisure time."
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DEA, White House say marijuana dangerous, has no accepted medical use
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Decriminalization advocates say marijuana laws should mirror alcohol laws
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NORML spokesman says marijuana user arrested in U.S. "every 38 seconds"
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HR 5843 would not affect laws on growing, importing, exporting marijuana
House Resolution 5843, titled the @placeholder, would express support for "a very small number of individuals" suffering from chronic pain or illness to smoke marijuana with impunity.