Update: Senate Democrats Move Forward with Bill to Legalize Cannabis

WASHINGTON, DC – A long-awaited cannabis legalization bill was unveiled by Senate Democrats on Thursday.

According to a report by ABC News, The Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act would lift the federal prohibition on cannabis and allow the states to respectively decide how they want to regulate the drug. The act would also create FDA monitoring requirements, similar to alcohol and tobacco.

“I am proud to be the first Majority Leader ever to say that it is time to end the federal prohibition on cannabis, and this bill provides the best framework for updating our cannabis laws and reversing decades of harm inflicted by the war on drugs,” said Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.,

So far, 18 states, including Washington DC, have legalized adult-use cannabis. Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden, D-Ore, believes legalizing cannabis is not only good for the economy, it is also crucial for public safety.

“By failing to act, the federal government is empowering the illicit cannabis market, it’s ruining lives and propping up deeply rooted racism in our criminal justice system, it’s holding back small cannabis businesses from growing and creating jobs in their communities. Cannabis legalization is here, and Congress needs to get with the program,” said Wyden.

Democrats s face an uphill battel should the decide to move the legislation forward in the senate as at the bill would need support from at least 10 Republicans and every Democratic member.

Those in favor of federal legalization are pleased enough with the bill’s introduction, calling it a step in the right direction.

We are in the middle of a cannabis revolution in America and Cannabutter Digest has everything you need to stay up to date. Check back often for the latest canabis industry news, products, recipes, and more!