The bill would make weed legally different from heroin.
On Friday Senator Ron Wyden introduced a new bill that would legalize marijuana at the federal level, and it’s not just the text of the bill that’s a nod to marijuana culture. The bill, introduced by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), is labeled with a conspicuous number: S.420.
Also known as the Marijuana Revenue and Regulation Act, the bill would “responsibly legalize, tax and regulate marijuana at the federal level.”
NEW: I introduced S.420, my bill to legalize and responsibly regulate and tax marijuana. It’s time to bring our country’s marijuana policies into the 21st century, and my legislation is the way to do it. https://t.co/l5wKIWeZwV
— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) February 8, 2019
According to The Verge, the new bill, hilariously called S.420, would give the DEA sixty days to remove marijuana from its list of controlled substances. If that happens, weed could no longer be compared to heroin.
The federal prohibition of marijuana is wrong – plain and simple. Too many lives have been wasted and too many economic opportunities have been missed. It’s time for Congress to respect the will of the voters in Oregon and nationwide, who are demanding common-sense drug policies.
— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) February 8, 2019
Former House Speaker John Boehner, who sits on the board of cannabis company Acreage Holdings, on Friday announced the formation of an industry-backed lobbying group that would push for national marijuana reforms.
Even though the bills introduced may not become law, Wyden is confident that marijuana will become legal soon. “The American people have elected the most pro-cannabis Congress in American history and significant pieces of legislation are being introduced.” Wyden said