THE STATE OF FEDERAL
C A N N A B I S in the United States BY VEE CASTILLO
“As majority leader, I can set priorities. This is a priority for me.” - Chuck Schumer (D- NY) Could 4/20 in 2022 be the year that cannabis is federally legalized? Recently, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D- NY) announced at a February 4th press conference, that he is aiming to file a bill to federally legalize cannabis marijuana in April. There is also House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), who also spoke at that same press conference, and discussed progress on his separate legalization bill. In a tweet posted by Chuck Schumer (D-NY), he states:
“I stood with an extraordinary group of organizers, advocates, and legislators to renew our work in the Senate for comprehensive federal marijuana legalization. We need to bring the spirit of New York’s groundbreaking legalization and address the wrongs of the War on Drugs.” We have been here before, hearing about plans, and seeing bills introduced that seem to fail repeatedly. This time, the intent seems to be strong with target dates and support from Republicans, whom Schumer (D-NY) invites to add to the bill:
“Any senators have other ideas that they want to add to the bill, as long as it keeps social and economic justice as the spearhead, we’re happy and willing to listen.” THE CANNABIS ADMINISTRATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT The Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA) was unveiled in 2021 by Senators Chuck Schumer, Cory Booker, and Ron Wyden. It’s a comprehensive bill holding 163 pages, with the focus on main factors such as: Remove marijuana and THC from the Controlled Substances Act. Transfer agency jurisdiction over cannabis from the Drug Enforcement Administration to the Food and Drug Administration, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Permit the movement of cannabis products through the channels of interstate commerce, regardless of whether the channels are located in a state where cannabis is legal or illegal.
thechronicmagazine.com
MARCH 2022
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