A group of Senate Democrats said on Monday that they are committed to “comprehensive marijuana reform” and called for an end to the federal marijuana ban.
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer
Chuck SchumerBipartisanship in two hands – the remedy for political tribalism Fallen Capitol Policeman to be honored at the Roundabout Senate Democrats say consideration of cannabis-related reforms will be a priority MORE (DN.Y.) together with Sens. Cory Booker
Cory BookerSenate Democrats say consideration of cannabis reforms will be a priority Hillicon Valley: Reddit-driven rallies drop, GameStop purchase ban continues | Lawmakers question NSA over violation of years after massive invasion of Russia | Facebook is considering an antitrust lawsuit against Apple lawmakers who questioned the NSA about a violation of years ago in the wake of a massive Russian hack. MORE (DN.J.) and Ron Wyden
Ronald (Ron) Lee WydenBiden faces a crossroads in the Biden virus relief bill, Republican Party senators agree to more COVID-19 talks after ‘excellent’ first meeting Senate Democrats say consideration of cannabis-related reforms will be a MORE priority (D-Ore.) He said in a joint statement that the Senate would be making cannabis reform a “priority”.
“The Drug War has been a war against people – especially people of color. Ending the federal marijuana ban is necessary to correct the mistakes of this failed war and end decades of damage inflicted on communities of color across the country, ”the statement said. “But that alone is not enough. As states continue to legalize marijuana, we must also enact measures that will lift people who have been unjustly targeted in the War on Drugs. ”
In a separate statement, the representative Earl Blumenauer
Earl BlumenauerSenate Democrats say considering cannabis reforms will be a priority Hillicon Valley: Robinhood restricts trade in companies targeted by Reddit users | Facebook reverses some decisions about removed posts | Legislators introduce bill to massively increase postal voting Legislators introduce legislation to massively extend postal voting MORE (D-Ore.), Co-President of Congressional Cannabis Caucus, expressed support for the efforts.
Blumenauer blamed the Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell
Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellMcConnell says Taylor Greene’s adoption of conspiracy theories is a ‘cancer’ for the Republican Party, country Night defense: Biden warns of sanctions after coup in Myanmar | Biden asks Supreme Court to cancel arguments over border wall | Dem calls for troop screening on social media. Senate Democrats say consideration of cannabis-related reforms will be a priority. MORE (R-Ky.) For blocking Congressional efforts to pass cannabis reform projects in the past.
The former Senate led by the Republican Party, headed by McConnell when he was the majority leader, did not adopt measures related to cannabis.
“The missing ingredient in the cannabis reform was the Senate’s action. Finally having the active leadership of the new majority leader in the Senate, instead of being stuck in McConnell’s legislative cemetery, makes all the difference in the world, ”said Blumenauer.
Justin Strekal, political director of the NORML marijuana law reform organization, also blamed McConnell for neglecting and mocking marijuana reform policies. In a statement released in response to senators, he said he was “excited” to see senators working to repeal “meaningless and cruel” marijuana policies.
“We look forward to engaging constructively with Congressional leaders, other organizations and communities that have historically been most affected by criminalization, to ensure that we draft the strongest and most comprehensive bill possible to correct the mistakes of nearly a century of federal government banning cannabis, ”said Strekal.
Marijuana, classified as a Class I drug, is currently legal for recreational use among adults in 15 states, the District of Columbia and two U.S. territories, according to NBC News. Thirty-four states and two territories currently allow the use of medical marijuana. Fifteen states and the American territory of American Samoa have no laws that allow marijuana.