Cannabis Legalization May Find A Promising Future
DENVER – Since the recent shift of power in the senate on Jan. 6, 2021, an end to the 83-year-old national prohibition of marijuana in the United States seems to be even closer.
Despite the disaster that transpired in the U.S. Capitol, there were still some positive footnotes to be taken from that day's event. Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia, Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia and Sen. Alex Padilla of California are taking office, sending the senate seats into a stalemate 50-50 with Vice President Kamala Harris, holding the tie-breaking vote as the President of the Senate. Us #CannabisCommunity members should be aware of the progressiveness that a majority democratic senate creates.
In the past, cannabis reform bills would pass through the House of Representatives, with little resistance, and die in the Senate because of GOP control. However, with current political conditions, cannabis reform bills hold precedence. Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated they will push to pass sweeping legislation to end the federal prohibition on marijuana, per CNBC.
To put the hype in perspective, buds, we’ve already seen 17 states fully legalize cannabis. Most of those states being democratic which could infer the path of least resistance among congressional control for marijuana bills. Cannabis reform on a national level can lead to many opportunities for social and economic growth.
Major Take-Aways
Will Be Prioritized Amid Democratic Control
According to New Frontier Data, the U.S. Cannabis industry is projected to reach $30 billion in consumer sales by 2025. This economic development will add jobs and services to many industries like farming, medicine and retail. In return, the new tax revenue could help relieve high impact communities – especially those communities disproportionately affected by the war on drugs.
Schumer discussed The War on Drugs and how it has been a war particularly of people of color.
“Ending the federal marijuana prohibition is necessary to right the wrongs of this failed war and end decades of harm inflicted on communities of color across the country,” Schumer said. “But that alone is not enough. As states continue to legalize marijuana, we must also enact measures that will lift up people who were unfairly targeted in the War on Drugs.”
These impacted communities must be rightfully provided with restorative justice. This not only includes decriminalization and mass decarceration, but also abundant resources for colored-entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry. This legal reform will not solve racial injustice, but it will act as a small step forward. This is a progressive time that may lead to a major bookmark for cannabis policy by the end of 2020 – don’t lack stay tuned.
About Kush Files
As part of the #weedsociety, Kush Files is dedicated to bringing an elevated smoking experience to you by offering the latest #cannabis resources, a friendly community and quality products.