US House of Representatives Approves Marijuana Decriminalization Bill
The US House of Representatives has voted to decriminalize marijuana, advancing a bill that faces challenges in the Senate
Key Points
- 1US House passes marijuana decriminalization bill with 228-164 vote
- 2Bipartisan support with five Republicans backing the bill
- 3Federal decriminalization could ease trade barriers for cannabis companies
- 4Bill faces uncertain future in the US Senate
- 5Proposed legislation includes federal taxation on marijuana sales
In a historic move, the US House of Representatives has passed a bill to decriminalize marijuana at the federal level. The legislation, which was approved by a vote of 228 to 164, marks a significant step towards altering federal drug policies. Currently, 15 states allow recreational marijuana use, and 36 permit it for medical purposes. Despite this progress, federal laws continue to obstruct business operations in the cannabis industry
The bill, sponsored by Democrats, received bipartisan support, with five Republicans voting in favor and six Democrats opposing it. Republican Matt Gaetz from Florida expressed his support, citing the longstanding misinformation about marijuana and the disproportionate impact of drug laws on minority communities. However, the bill faces an uphill battle in the Senate, where its future remains uncertain. Critics, like Republican Greg Murphy from North Carolina, argue that marijuana acts as a gateway drug and caution against broader legalization of substances
The proposed legislation also includes provisions for federal taxation on marijuana sales, which could generate significant revenue. However, concerns about the social implications of legalization continue to divide lawmakers. As the debate moves to the Senate, the outcome will be closely watched by advocates and opponents alike, with potential implications for the cannabis industry and federal drug policy