Federal Government Could End Marijuana Prohibition

On Friday February 20^th, 2015 two separate bills were introduced in Congress to end federal prohibition on marijuana. Currently the federal government can supersede the local laws leaving the states vulnerable when approving marijuana for sale. The passive nature of the federal government has allowed states to legalize marijuana for medical and recreational use. This hands-off approach may change with a new president.

Democratic representative from Colorado Jared Polis introduced the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act. Rep. Polis calls for marijuana to be removed from the Controlled Substances Act. This would allow the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to regulate marijuana similar to alcohol.

On the same day house Democrat from Oregon Earl Blumenauer introduced the Marijuana Tax Revenue Act. This act would introduce a tax on marijuana sales similar to the Marihuana Tax of 1937. This tax was repealed in 1970. The new bill may impose more prosecution for possession.

Representative Polis bill is a positive direction for marijuana for many reasons. Removing the Drug Enforcement Agency from regulating allows the states laws to be fully legal and protected. Legalizing marijuana allows patients and the people that work in the industry to not fear prosecution. Removing marijuana from the label of a controlled substance will allow more research to be conducted. This will allow for safer medicine, a better understanding on how marijuana works in the body and new avenues for health care.

Source:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/20/marijuana-legalization-congress_n_6722686.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marihuana_Tax_Act_of_1937