Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is not only working to advance a bipartisan marijuana banking bill but is also actively calling on supporters to join him in demanding the federal legalization of marijuana. In a campaign email, Schumer emphasized that “it’s time to legalize marijuana nationwide” and urged people to add their names to an online petition advocating the end of cannabis prohibition.
The sign-on form is a common tactic used for political campaigns to build email lists and facilitate fundraising efforts. It highlights the fact that over 40 percent of Americans live in states where marijuana is legalized, across party lines, and that support for legalization is widespread. The form encourages people to demand an end to federal marijuana prohibition.
Schumer’s email campaign further argues that there’s “absolutely no reason marijuana should be criminalized on the federal level” and emphasizes the potential benefits of national legalization, such as reinvesting tax revenue into communities affected by the War on Drugs and expunging prior cannabis convictions.
While no comprehensive marijuana legalization bill has been filed in the Senate this session, Schumer has been a vocal supporter of cannabis reform. He previously championed a comprehensive reform bill that did not advance during the last Congress.
On another front, a bill to legalize, tax, and regulate cannabis was recently introduced by House Democrats. However, its prospects for passing in the GOP-controlled chamber are uncertain.
While comprehensive federal legalization may face challenges in the current Congress, there is growing optimism about a bipartisan marijuana banking bill that Schumer is supporting. This bill, the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act, is set for markup in the Senate Banking Committee and has the potential to move to the floor. Schumer has also expressed his commitment to attaching legislation for cannabis expungements and gun rights for marijuana consumers.
Additionally, the lead GOP Senate sponsor of the SAFER Banking Act is planning to introduce new legislation to prevent marijuana from being federally legalized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) without congressional approval.
By FCCT Editorial Team
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