Congress: Seize the moment and legalize marijuana

[workinclasszero]

Congress: Seize the moment and legalize marijuana
BY REP. EARL BLUMENAUER (D-ORE.), OPINION CONTRIBUTOR—01/08/18 05:10 PM EST

The new year brought with it the opening of California’s legal marijuana market—now the largest in the nation. Three days later, Vermont lawmakers approved legislation setting the stage to become the next to legalize the adult use of marijuana, and the first to do so through the legislative process.

More and more states are following my home state of Oregon’s lead—recognizing marijuana prohibition has created more problems than it has solved. They are taking a new and smarter approach to legalize and regulate marijuana. Yet, the new year also brought a destabilizing move from Attorney General Jeff Sessions, with his announcement that the Department of Justice is rescinding longstanding policy—the Cole Memo—that allows states to implement responsible marijuana laws without fear of federal interference.

This outrageous decision flies in the face of public opinion. An overwhelming majority of Americans support the legalization of marijuana, and even more want the federal government to stay out of the way of state progress. This isn’t a partisan issue. A majority of Republican voters—for the first time ever—also agree.

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/politics/367990-congress-seize-the-moment-and-legalize-marijuana

[regnaD kciN]

1. ...and, while you're at it, give us single-payer and a universal basic income!

My point is that there's zero chance the Republican-controlled Congress would pass such a measure...and even less of a chance that Trump would sign it.

[workinclasszero]

2. Yes!

But a blue tsunami will have to happen first.

Of course Twitler is foaming at the mouth to start nuclear WW3 with NK even as we speak so who knows what 2018 holds in store for us and the world.

[Girard442]

3. Problem is, marijuana prohibition is the gift that keeps on giving -- if you're a Republican.

You can keep People of Color down by giving them arrest records and removing their ability to vote. You can let law enforcement feather their nests through asset forfeiture. You can put money into the pockets of the private prison operators by sending them a steady stream of drug offenders. You can enrich the drug companies by forcing people to treat their pain with expensive and addictive pharmaceuticals instead of a natural substance. And you can stick it to the Lib'ruls and get your Bible Belt base all excited by defending 'Murka against the Demon Weed.

[Canoe52]

4. Oh hell no! Here in the state of Washington its like

the movie Reefer Madness times 1,000! People running around raping and pillaging, robbing and stealing! Everyone yelling “what in the wide wide world of sports is going on here!” Total madness I tell ya!

[SoCalMusicLover]

5. This Doesn't Bode Well For CA

I was in Colorado last year, and couldn't believe how badly they are suffering.

[workinclasszero]

6. The weed with it's roots in HELL!!!!

[maxsolomon]

7. Hahahahahahaha

Blumenauer knows it has a snowball's chance in hell.

Particularly in the Senate, filled as it is with ancient icons of moral rectitude like Orrin Hatch.

100% Dem Control of Executive and Legislative Branches will be required.

[raptor_rider]

8. Theres no way that Gov Martinez

Here in NM would let that happen... The Mexican Mafia’s donations would diminish.... I’m just glad I have my medicinal card....