House committee approves landmark bill legalizing marijuana at the federal level

[EarthFirst]

Source: CNBC

The House Judiciary Committee approved a bill Wednesday that legalizes marijuana on the federal level, removing it from Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act.

The legislation, which passed 24 to 10, has a high chance of approval in the full House where Democrats control the chamber with 234 seats. It’s likely to face a tougher battle in the Republican-controlled Senate, where Majority Leader Mitch McConnell opposes marijuana legalization.

The legislation allows states to enact their own policies and gives them incentives to clear criminal records of people with low-level marijuana offenses. It also includes a 5% tax on cannabis products that would provide job training and legal assistance to those hit hardest by the war on drugs.

A majority of Americans support the legalization of marijuana, according to the Pew Research Center. The bill has more than 50 co-sponsors, according to Congress.gov. Backers of a Senate version of the legislation include, presidential contender Sen. Kamala Harris.



Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/20/house-committee-approves-bill-decriminalizing-marijuana-on-the-federal-level.html

[lagomorph777]

1. Kentuckians could make a lot of $$$ growing weed.

McConnell is missing a campaign winner. Too bad.

[Progressive Jones]

2. LOL. They already do.

Large numbers of former moonshiners became weed farmers in the 70s and 80s.
I'm pretty sure it's the biggest cash crop in KY.

[getagrip_already]

4. and believe it or not...

Some of the most vocal opponents of legalized cannabis are the illegal growers. Legalization threatens their livelihoods.

We saw it here in MA. They cried a river when they couldn't sell their pesticide soaked weed for what they used to.

[OriginalGeek]

6. Everything I know about Kentucky weed

I learned from Justified.

[warmfeet]

3. Bout frikkin time.

The war on drugs is so stupid.

[beachbumbob]

5. McConnell will never call the bill out to take a vote

He has no intention to do it.

[Demonaut]

7. not good

[eggplant]

8. How can they tax it at a federal level?

If it is grown in-state and never crosses state lines, I mean?

[Smackdown2019]

12. Gas tax

It be like a gas tax. Portion of the gas tax goes to federal highway commission. I am assuming the same will apply, not towards the federal highway commission of course.

[paleotn]

16. The same way we tax tobacco and alcohol

Bourbon distilled, sold legally and consumed in KY, never actually leaving the state, has the same federal tax per proof gallon as a fifth transported and sold in California.

[eggplant]

17. Thx for the info.

I forgot about the federal excise taxes.

[bluestarone]

9. Agree with them

We will gain votes with this decision!

[christx30]

10. Quick! Get it to trump before he's kicked from office!

He'll sign anything to make himself feel more important!

[TeamPooka]

11. prohibition is a failed public policy, again.

[crazytown]

13. But it could be a 'gateway drug'

Joe says No.

[rollin74]

15. Joe is wrong about this

I think this op-ed sums it up pretty well
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/joe-bidens-outdated-views-on-marijuana-will-not-do-him-any-favors-op-ed/

[rollin74]

14. 2 out of 3 Americans now support recreational cannabis legalization according to 2 recent polls

it's about time Congress started to listen to the people on this issue

the lies, propaganda and scare tactics of prohibitionists are increasingly falling on deaf ears

[paleotn]

18. Please do...

and end the hypocrisy. Alcohol has killed far more people than weed. And it's a treasure trove of interesting biochemicals.

[Pluvious]

19. If Jerry could only have seen this day :)

[NickB79]

20. "has a high chance of approval in the full House"

I see what you did there