The Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act

Cannabis legalization is finding support with Chuck Schumer (D-New York). He  has introduced legislation that allows the states to decide the legality of the whole cannabis plant.  It will uphold federal law in respects to the rights of states that do not have marijuana legalization, but give more opportunity to states that have legalized it.

Cannabis legalization requires whole plant to be re-classified

The Act would  de-schedule marijuana at the federal level from a schedule I  controlled substance. This will allow for research which is currently prohibited.  There are funds earmarked in this Act that would include an investment  into research to fully understand the effects of THC on driving and public health.  There is also a provision to help women and minority owned businesses enter into the marijuana industry.  And it includes a grant program to provide incentives for states and local governments to expunge or seal convictions of misdemeanor marijuana possession. Another tenant of the bill  would also give the federal government authority to regulate advertising in the same manner as it does tobacco and alcohol. The Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act is co-sponsored by Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).

Marijuana tax benefits

The Bill was introduced on 4/20 the symbolic nature here does not need to be pointed out!   Marijuana legalization is gaining support in more states and reaping the benefits of the tax revenue.  According to this article in NORML 68% of American voters approve of legalizing marijuana and 73% support expunging the records of those previously convicted of marijuana-related offenses.   There seems to be a lot of change in attitude of politicians who were former naysayers. They have changed their thinking about marijuana and now jumping on the cannabis bandwagon as they see the tax revenue gains adding up.  We can only hope legislation moves forward in the best interest of the public