WASHINGTON – Oregon
lawmakers have taken the lead on removing marijuana from the list of
federally banned drugs—a barrier many see as marijuana’s biggest hurdle
in the product becoming legal nationwide.
Last month, Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep. Earl Blumenauer, both Oregon Democrats, introduced legislation in their respective chambers that would take marijuana off the list of federally banned drugs, tax marijuana at a rate similar to alcohol and tobacco and end the threat of federal criminal penalties for businesses operating in states that allow the use of pot for recreational purposes, according to The Hill.
Banking would become easier for marijuana businesses under the legislation as well, with the proposals allowing companies access to the regulated-banking system. Many banks currently refrain from opening accounts for marijuana businesses because the federal government could seize the money.
Anti-legalization advocates said the current balance between federal and state laws is unsustainable, and that marijuana use remains a danger to public health.
Despite the opposition, the proposals aren’t the only ones in Washington that support legalizing marijuana use in the United States. Here are a few more …
Last month, Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep. Earl Blumenauer, both Oregon Democrats, introduced legislation in their respective chambers that would take marijuana off the list of federally banned drugs, tax marijuana at a rate similar to alcohol and tobacco and end the threat of federal criminal penalties for businesses operating in states that allow the use of pot for recreational purposes, according to The Hill.
Banking would become easier for marijuana businesses under the legislation as well, with the proposals allowing companies access to the regulated-banking system. Many banks currently refrain from opening accounts for marijuana businesses because the federal government could seize the money.
Anti-legalization advocates said the current balance between federal and state laws is unsustainable, and that marijuana use remains a danger to public health.
Despite the opposition, the proposals aren’t the only ones in Washington that support legalizing marijuana use in the United States. Here are a few more …
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