NBC’s Gabe Gutierrez reports about the Senate’s efforts at legalizing marijuana at the federal stage. For access to live and exclusive video from CNBC subscribe to CNBC PRO:
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer proposed Wednesday legislation to legalize marijuana at federal level. This move was aimed at relaxing restrictive drug policies that adversely affect communities of color and the poor.
The Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act would allow marijuana to be removed from the Controlled Substances Act and establish regulations for taxing cannabis products.
This proposal would erase federal records of nonviolent cannabis offenders from the federal system and allow those currently in federal prison for nonviolent marijuana offenses to petition a court to resentence them.
“This is a monumental. “This is a monumental step. Along with Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J ) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Schumer revealed the draft.
According to a draft bill, the plan would also create an Opportunity Trust Fund using new cannabis tax revenue to invest in programs that benefit communities most affected by “failed War on Drugs.”
Due to its opposition by Republicans and moderate Democrats, the plan to decriminalize pot will face a difficult battle in the Senate. It has not been supported by President Joe Biden. To pass the bill through the Senate, Schumer will need 60 votes. This includes at least 10 GOP voters.
37 States and the District of Columbia, have so far legalized medical cannabis use. 18 States and D.C. have also legalized adult recreational cannabis use. Federal law still makes cannabis illegal.
According to public polling, nearly 70% Americans support legalizing this drug.
Booker stated in a statement that “for decades, our federal government waged a War on Drugs which has unfairly affected low-income communities or communities of color.” “While marijuana is legalized in many states, the federal government remains woefully behind,” Booker said. It’s time for Congress and the White House to repeal federal prohibition on marijuana and invest in the communities hardest hit by the failed War on Drugs .
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