Congressional Cannabis Caucus
Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) posted the below video on his site showing coverage of the press conference he held last Thursday with fellow pro cannabis Democrat Jared Polis (D-Colo.). Republicans from California and Alaska – Don Young (R-Alaska) and Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.) join Blumenauer and Polis to form the first ever congressional cannabis caucus, bipartisan nonetheless.
This coalition will act as a pro-cannabis group inside of congress working on issues regarding legislation of the legalization and regulation of cannabis.
Bipartisan Representation
Let’s face it, the disconnect between Democrats and Republicans and the limitations of the two party system are often exemplified by hard lines divided by theory on human rights, freedom and environmental issues.
However, cannabis and marijuana reform are acting in the background joining together Democrats and Republicans in bipartisan efforts to end the prohibition on cannabis. As more and more states, whether they be blue or red, join the pro-cannabis and pro medical marijuana efforts – we see that cannabis legalization support comes in all political shapes and sizes.
The benefits for both the economy an individual health and well being far outweigh the cons. In light of party separation it’s pretty cool to see representatives from both sides of congress joining together to help improve healthcare, provide safer adult recreation options and to ultimately kick the ‘cannabis is bad’ stigma.
Federal/State Disconnect
Marijuana is now legal in 7 states plus the District of Columbia. It’s no surprise that the representatives involved in the new cannabis coalition are from pro-pot states and hold pro-cannabis views themselves. Despite the progression on the state level, federal law has obviously caused many problems in the states that have chosen to reform their marijuana laws. The new cannabis caucus’ main goal is to develop policy that bridges the undesirable gap between federal and state governments.
“We’re stepping forward together to say we’ve got to make major changes in our country’s attitude toward cannabis,” Rep. Rohrabacher said at the press conference. “And if we do, many people are going to live better lives, it’s going to be better for our country, better for people, and it makes economic sense at a time when every penny must count for government.”
Rohrabacher (R-Calif.) laid it down straight in the press release stating that, “The federal government’s decades-long approach to marijuana is a colossal, cruel joke, and most Americans know it.” His full-blown support of reform is palpable, he just introduced a measure, the Respect State Marijuana Laws Act of 2017, that would protect people from marijuana related prosecutions as long as they are abiding by state laws.
Mending the Gap
This core-four group of cannabis reform legislators are taking action because they believe that cannabis reform will improve the lives of millions of people, and they hope to educate their fellow legislators on the reasons why. “I’m very happy with the idea that if we have to we’ll bump heads with the attorney general,” Young said of new Attorney General Jess Sessions, a long-time drug war supporter.
One of the underlying issues here is State’s Rights especially how they will pan out under the new Trump administration. Trump has gone on record supporting medical marijuana as well as being a firm supporter of the 10th amendment and State’s Rights.
Trump said at a rally in Nevada in 2015, “In terms of marijuana and legalization, I think that should be a state issue, state-by-state… Marijuana is such a big thing. I think medical should happen — right? Don’t we agree? I think so. And then I really believe we should leave it up to the states.”
That being said, the Trump administration has been quiet regarding their stance on the subject so far.
“Because of the conflicts between Federal and State law, marijuana-related issues are no longer theoretical — they are real, and they are affecting real people in Alaska and across the country,” Young said. “I look forward to working with the Congressional Cannabis Caucus to educate my colleagues in the House on the issues we are facing in Alaska, and hopefully to also develop solutions to these problems.”
As always, remember that EvolutionZ is here to answer questions regarding legislation in your state and nationwide. Become a member of our resource center for the absolute best cannabis business hotline providing lightning fast solutions to complex cannabis industry questions.
Stay Informed
Stay up to date on cannabis reform by following our EvolutionZ blog, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as well for cannabis culture and community updates, business insight and industry resources.
Click the Button Below to Stay Informed!
Recent Comments