Hoping to eliminate funding for federal marijuana eradication programs he calls "ridiculous," South Bay Rep. Ted Lieu has authored legislation that will reallocate half the $18 million spent last year to helping abused children instead.

An amendment from Lieu to a law passed Tuesday will cut $9 million from the Drug Enforcement Agency's Cannabis Eradication/Suppression program.

Next year, the Torrance Democrat said he plans to author another amendment eliminating the pot program entirely, noting that last year the DEA arrested more than 6,300 for growing marijuana.

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South Bay Medical Marijuana Users Await Supreme Court Ruling. Justices Hear Arguments Today.

Before one 43-year-old Lomita resident summons the resolve to perform basic daily tasks like brushing her teeth, she must tackle the debilitating pain that is her constant companion.

So, Shelly, who requested her last name be withheld, takes a muscle relaxant, gingerly stretches for 30 minutes -- and then takes what she calls her medication with names like Super Silver Haze or Morningstar.

Shelly uses marijuana on a doctor's recommendation.

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