Washington, DC: Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has publicly announced his intent to sponsor legislation to remove marijuana from the federal Controlled Substances Act. The pending measure, much like House Bill 1227: The Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act, provides states the autonomy and flexibility to establish their own marijuana policies free from federal interference.
Senator Schumer’s proposal is expected to include funding streams for women and minority-owned cannabis businesses, and would appropriate money for marijuana-related research.
“My thinking – as well as the general population’s views – on the issue has evolved, and so I believe there’s no better time than the present to get this done,” he said in a prepared statement.
NORML Political Director Justin Strekal added: “Senator Schumer has effectively made it clear that a legislative priority for the Democratic Party is to end the federal prohibition of marijuana. As Democratic Leader, it is his role to ensure that his caucus falls in line with this public policy position – a position that is held by more than 60 percent of Americans.”
For more information, contact Justin Strekal, NORML Political Director, at (202) 483-5500.