Multiple leaders among democratic Senators announced Monday that they would push to pass historic legislation that would legalize marijuana on a federal level, a policy that has already been implemented in varying degrees by a majority of states.
What We Know:
- “The War on Drugs has been a war on people — particularly people of color,” said a statement issued by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
- The policy reform would also provide some sort of restorative justice for people who have been convicted of pot-related crimes, the senators said in the joint statement. “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.”.
“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,” they continued.
- The senators said they would compose a draft of discussion regarding comprehensive cannabis reform early this year and that passing the legislation will be a priority. Additionally, they ensure that the policy change would protect public health while maintaining appropriate taxes and regulations.
- The legislation reflects the ever-increasing support for cannabis decriminalization among the public. According to a Gallup poll from November, 68% of Americans favored marijuana legalization, setting a new record high for support.
- In this past election, every initiative that involved the decriminalization or legalization of cannabis on the ballot passed. Marijuana policies on the ballots in New Jersey and Arizona were passed, meaning marijuana will be legalized for adult recreational use in these states. Additionally, Mississippi voted to legalize medical marijuana use, and South Dakota legalized the drug for both recreational and medical use.
Currently, 15 states and the District of Columbia have legalized cannabis for adult recreational use, and 36 states permit medical use of the drug.
