Senator Ron Wyden introduced a bill (called S. 420) to decriminalize marijuana and allow for it to be taxed and regulated. The bill would take marijuana off the federal controlled substances list and remove federal criminal penalties for those in compliance with state marijuana laws, as the government currently treats marijuana in a similar manner to heroin or LSD. The bill would also allow marijuana to be taxed and regulated like alcohol, and reduce limitations for legal marijuana businesses to get banking access.
It is interesting how the times have affected our government. The connection between progressivism and pro-cannabis-ism is evident. Cannabis tends to be something that is more often condemned by conservatives and with a Democratic majority in the House, this may be the “most pro-cannabis Congress ever.” Another aspect of the current treatment of weed, according to many politicians, is that it is a criminal justice issue because black people are more likely to be arrested for weed than whites. Also, the current treatment hurts legal cannabis businesses and states where it is legal. I suppose a good historic parallel for weed is the 18th Amendment on prohibition… so maybe we're currently making our way to another sort of 21st Amendment.
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