Just last week the US House of Representatives made history by voting to decriminalize marijuana…..the fad has gone federal…….for many states have legalized or at least decriminalized weed.
Now the federal reps have stepped into the 21st century….and a cheer went up for their forward thinking….
Reflecting changing attitudes among Americans, the House voted Friday to decriminalize marijuana. The measure, approved with support from both parties on a 228-164 vote, also would expunge nonviolent convictions related to marijuana offenses, the New York Times reports. And the drug would no longer be covered by the Controlled Substances Act. It’s the first time either chamber of Congress has voted to decriminalize pot, and Politico sees it as a “monumental step in marijuana policy.” However, the measure isn’t expected to go anywhere in the Senate anytime soon. Still, approval gives lawmakers something to build on in the future. “What we’re doing here is … recognizing that there is a longtime war on civil rights that was instituted by the Nixon administration,” says Rep. Jerry Nadler, sponsor of the bill. “And we’re eliminating it.”
Marijuana grows at an indoor cannabis farm in Gardena, Calif., last year. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File)
(Newser) – Reflecting changing attitudes among Americans, the House voted Friday to decriminalize marijuana. The measure, approved with support from both parties on a 228-164 vote, also would expunge nonviolent convictions related to marijuana offenses, the New York Times reports. And the drug would no longer be covered by the Controlled Substances Act. It’s the first time either chamber of Congress has voted to decriminalize pot, and Politico sees it as a “monumental step in marijuana policy.” However, the measure isn’t expected to go anywhere in the Senate anytime soon. Still, approval gives lawmakers something to build on in the future. “What we’re doing here is … recognizing that there is a longtime war on civil rights that was instituted by the Nixon administration,” says Rep. Jerry Nadler, sponsor of the bill. “And we’re eliminating it.”
Low-income communities of color have been hurt most by laws and policies intended to reduce the use of marijuana and other drugs, and the measure authorizes a 5% tax on marijuana that could be levied to help those communities and their small businesses, through grant programs. Rep. Jim McGovern says that when he’s asked what systemic racism is, he cites the drug laws. “People’s lives have been ruined—have been destroyed—by possessing just a small amount of cannabis.” Recreational cannabis now is legal in 15 states, and medical marijuana in 35. The ACLU found this year that though Black and white Americans use marijuana at about the same rates, Black people are four times as likely to be arrested for pot possession as white people.
Not so fast!
Sounds good coming from the House…but it will be a lead turd in the Senate…..
Is there any chance the Senate will pass this? I would be very surprised if they did.
The drug is still illegal in Britain. This is the current law that applies.
‘Cannabis remains illegal to possess, grow, distribute, sell or grow in the UK.
Being caught with cannabis comes with a maximum of five years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.
While being convicted of producing and supplying the Class B drug carries up to 14 years behind bars, an unlimited fine, or both.
Police can issue a warning or on-the-spot fine if you’re caught with a small amount – generally less than one ounce – if it is deemed for personal use.’
Is there any chance the Senate will pass this? I would be very surprised if they did.
The drug is still illegal in Britain. This is the current law that applies.
‘Cannabis remains illegal to possess, grow, distribute, sell or grow in the UK.
Being caught with cannabis comes with a maximum of five years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.
While being convicted of producing and supplying the Class B drug carries up to 14 years behind bars, an unlimited fine, or both.
Police can issue a warning or on-the-spot fine if you’re caught with a small amount – generally less than one ounce – if it is deemed for personal use.’
Best wishes, Pete.
No way the Senate will never pass it….old farts die hard. chuq