With Democrats now holding the majority in the Senate, comprehensive measures for cannabis legalization are a priority on their agenda.
Democratic Activism for Cannabis
In a joint statement put by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senator Cory Booker, and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, they reassured marijuana enthusiasts with their words of wisdom. Their statement on ending marijuana prohibition reads, “It is necessary to right the wrongs of this failed war and end decades of harm inflicted on communities of color across the country. But that alone is not enough. As states continue to legalize marijuana, we must also enact measures that will lift up people who were unfairly targeted in the War on Drugs.”
Finally! We have some people working to fix the marijuana prohibition situation we have here in the United States, rather than ignoring it or causing more problems. In a recent Gallup poll, it showed around 68% of Americans, a record “high”, were for cannabis legalization. With people in the Senate and two-thirds of Americans wanting to legally regulate this drug, it seems hopeful that our country will implement marijuana legalization legislation so our voices can be heard.
The congressional trio went on to say, “The War on Drugs has been a war on people- particularly people of color. Ending the federal marijuana prohibition is necessary to right the wrongs of this failed war and end decades of harm inflicted on communities of color across the country.” It’s no secret that people of color are disproportionately incarcerated, killed, or arrested for minor mairjuana offences, and these Senators understand and want to change that.
Recreational and Medical Marijuana in America
The senators aim to not only remove cannabis from federal drug scheduling, but to lay the groundwork for, “comprehensive reform to ensure restorative justice, protect public health and implement responsible taxes and regulations.” Together these Senators are helping to turn the page on this unfortunate chapter in American history. They continued their statement with, “We are committed to working together to put forward and advance comprehensive cannabis reform legislation that will… undo the devastating consequences of these discriminatory policies. The Senate will make consideration of these reforms a priority.”
While President Joe Biden doesn’t support full legalization of marijauana, we can hope he will not veto a broader reform of cannabis.
U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauser said on Twitter, “We look forward to working with the Senate to refine the bill, advance its core principles, and end the federal prohibition of cannabis once and for all. The missing ingredient in cannabis reform has been Senate action. To finally have the active leadership of the new Senate majority leader, rather than being stuck in McConnell’s legislative graveyard, makes all the difference in the world.”
NORML Political Director Justin Strekal commented on the Senate’s actions, “After years of marijuana policy reform being neglected and mocked by (Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell) it is heartening to see these Senate leaders working together to repeal the senseless and cruel policy of maijauana prohibition.”
While these Senators take action to implement their plans, it is our responsibility to spread more marijuana activism. Let’s get 100% of Americans instead of 68% on board with legalizing pot!
Additional Resources:
At The Weed Blog, we strive to produce the latest online news resources regarding marijuana. We also review various strains of cannabis or other edible counterparts. We are committed to helping you find valuable information about marijuana on our website. With marijuana laws constantly changing, learn from us what you can do to promote activism in your area. Otherwise, consider these other top-tier articles regarding cannabis:
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