WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT) introduced a bill Wednesday that would repeal all federal penalties for possessing and growing marijuana, allowing states to establish their own marijuana laws.
The “Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2015” strikes all references to marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act, but retains penalties for transporting marijuana from states or jurisdictions where it is legal to those where it is not. It is the fourth marijuana policy reform bill to ever be introduced in the Senate, and it is the first that proposes ending marijuana prohibition at the federal level.
Earlier this year, Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ), Kirstin Gillibrand (D-NY), and Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced medical marijuana legislation, known as the CARERS Act. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced a bill to address the tax status of marijuana businesses, and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced a measure that would allow marijuana businesses to access banking services.
According to the Marijuana Policy Project, last month, Sanders became the first-ever major-party presidential candidate to express support for legalizing and regulating marijuana for adult use.
8 thoughts on “Bernie Sanders introduces bill ending federal ban on marijuana”
Ahhhh Republicans… yet another issue where you insist on fighting the tides of inevitability. It has been proven time and time again prohibition not only doesn’t help, it is actively anti-productive! Can’t you see this this is the only opportunity for you to salvage this issue? State’s choice is the perfect middle ground for both parties. As a small government fiscal conservative this idea should make you salivate!
I don’t understand right wingers who clamor for local control and when someone tries to give the states control over their own laws, the right is up in arms. That, my friends, is hypocrisy.
@Bodacious-You know darn well this is nothing more than a attempt to buy votes. Just like his proposal for free college.
Words from the king of hypocrisy
How is stating a policy position buying votes? Would the be said for when Trump says to build a wall?
Yes indeed, Democrats, the party of free stuff that someone else pays for. It is called buying votes but the sheeple will fall for it anyway. It will never pass the house so it doesn’t matter.
This will certainly get him some voters interest. It will probably be more popular than an Obama phone.
I for one will be happy when it’s legal.