On Monday the Supreme Court ruled that Congress has the power under the Commerce Clause to regulate noneconomic, intrastate activities with only the most tenuous connection, or no connection whatsoever, to interstate commerce.

This case focuses on whether the Commerce Clause and the Necessary and Proper clause in the U.S. Constitution allow Congress to regulate noneconomic activities wholly within a single state.

Respondents Diane Monson and Angel Raich use marijuana that has never been bought or sold, that has never crossed state lines, and that has had no demonstrable effect on the national market for marijuana. If Congress can regulate this under the Commerce Clause, then it can regulate virtually anything–and the Federal Government is no longer one of limited and enumerated powers. — Thomas, J., dissenting

Well said. This case isn’t so much about marijuana as about the limits of the Federal government. Through a bad decision, the Supreme Court has removed a large restraint from Congress. You should expect things to get much worse for everyone.

Hit and Run has links to some very good analyses of the decision.

Update: Looks like Sean Hannity made an ass of himself on the radio yesterday, too.