Political

Marijuana vote poses November risk for Democrats

They argue legalization is a racial justice issue, but critics question the timing in the midst of a pandemic and high-stakes presidential contest.

Democrats are taking an unprecedented gamble this month: voting to legalize cannabis at the federal level.

The MORE Act would remove the penalties for marijuana, erase some criminal records and create grant programs for people hit especially hard by the war on drugs.

Cannabis Research Bill Headed to House Committee This Week

The House Energy and Commerce Committee announced it would mark up the Medical Marijuana Research Act this week; the bill proposes streamlining the cannabis research process.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee announced it will consider legislation to expand cannabis research opportunities on Wednesday, Marijuana Moment reports.

Election May Determine Whether Marijuana Will Be Decriminalized

“Times have changed. Marijuana should not be a crime,” Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) said last year when she and Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) introduced the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act (MORE Act). The current Democratic vice-presidential nominee called the legalization of marijuana an important step "toward racial and economic justice."

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf renews call for state lawmakers to legalize recreational marijuana

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf is again urging state lawmakers to legalize recreational marijuana.

Wolf first made the pitch last year but renewed the call Thursday, saying it will help the state recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

"I think now, more than ever, especially right in the middle of this pandemic, we have a desperate need for the economic boost that the legalization of cannabis could provide," he said.

Is Trump Willing To Lose the Election for Marijuana Prohibition?

Recently, the excellent website, MarijuanaMoment.com, carried two articles by Kyle Jaeger, their Los Angeles-based associate editor, "Trump Voices Concern That Putting Marijuana On The Ballot Makes Republicans Lose" and "Biden's Marijuana Decriminalization Plan Is 'Meaningless', says Democratic Congressman"; that really makes me wonder i

US House of Reps will vote on marijuana legalization next month

The House will vote on legalizing marijuana next month.

States would still have to vote to legalize the drug. Marijuana is already legal in 11 states.

The MORE Act would remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act and erase some cannabis criminal records. The vote will come during the September work period, according to an email Majority Whip Jim Clyburn’s (D-S.C.) office that was sent to members Friday.