As congressional leaders work to end federal marijuana prohibition, a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers on Thursday introduced legislation aimed at learning from the states that have already enacted the policy change.<\/p>\n
The bills\u2014sponsored by Sens. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Rand Paul (R-KY), as well as Reps. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX) and Don Young (R-AK)\u2014would require several federal agencies to enter a 10-year partnership with the National Academy of Sciences to collect data on the impact of cannabis legalization at the state level.<\/p>\n
Both medical and recreational marijuana programs would be assessed for their economic, public health, criminal justice and workplace effects. Findings from this study would have to be submitted to Congress biennially over the course of the next decade.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs more and more states legalize and regulate marijuana, we must take a thorough examination at how different laws and policies in different states have been implemented, what works, what doesn\u2019t, and what can be replicated elsewhere,\u201d Menendez said in a press release. \u201cHaving this data at our fingertips and making it available to the public will help drive public policy decisions and dispel any misconceptions about marijuana legalization.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nIt\u2019s a fact: the marijuana industry is going to be a part of the 21st century economy, and we need to understand exactly how it will impact state economies, public health, criminal justice, and employment. https:\/\/t.co\/k7X16U8Iqe<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Senator Bob Menendez (@SenatorMenendez) April 29, 2021<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
The Marijuana Data Collection Act would further require research into how cannabis is taxed, how much revenue is generated and what those funds are used for in legal states. Also, the study would examine how patients utilize medical marijuana for differing reasons and the impact of that use on the rate of opioid overdoses, prescriptions and hospital admissions.<\/p>\n
The Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor and the attorney general\u2019s office would be involved in the study under the bill, which is virtually identical to legislation sponsored by then-Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) in past sessions<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Menendez has also previously pursued similar reforms as floor amendments<\/a> to larger bills, but the marijuana research language was never ultimately considered by the body.<\/p>\n
\u201cCongress and the American people need reliable facts on the impact of states\u2019 legal marijuana programs,\u201d Garcia said. \u201cWe need independent data on how these programs impact state budgets, the public health, and employment. This is especially important amid the pandemic, that\u2019s been filled for many with isolation, depression and financial stress that has led to an alarming rise in opioid deaths\u2014especially among communities of color.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBy entrusting the National Academy of Sciences to objectively study state marijuana programs, we will have unbiased information to make decisions based in reality, not historical prejudices or preconceived ideas,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Young said that \u201cfederal cannabis policy is archaic and need of an urgent update\u201d and that \u201cone of the best tools available to policymakers is comprehensive and accurate data.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a very good bill, and it will help us learn from other states and municipalities that have legalized marijuana,\u201d he said. \u201cAs the debate continues about broader federal cannabis policy, the data that this legislation can help collect will be vital toward crafting policies that promote public health and reform our outdated federal cannabis laws.\u201d<\/p>\n
The proposals is being supported by NORML, the National Cannabis Industry Association and the Minority Cannabis Business Association.<\/p>\n
Justin Strekal, political director for NORML, said that the legislation \u201cwill ensure that federal discussions and policies specific to cannabis policy are based upon the best, most reliable, and recent evidence available moving forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTo be clear, this is not a marijuana reform bill, it is a data bill about what is happening around the country,\u201d he said. \u201cNo member of Congress can intellectually justify opposition to this legislation unless they are willing to deny the fact that the majority of American states are in defiance of the Schedule 1 criminalized status of cannabis.\u201d<\/p>\n
This isn\u2019t the first marijuana bill that Menendez and Paul have teamed up on. The pair introduced a measure last month<\/a> that would give state-legal cannabis businesses greater access to insurance coverage and protect the companies that offer those plans from being punished by federal regulators.<\/p>\n
Read the text of the Marijuana Data Collection Act below:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
Marijuana Data Bill Text<\/a> by Marijuana Moment<\/a><\/p>\n
\nBipartisan Lawmakers Want Federal Protections For Marijuana States In Next Spending Bill<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
The post Feds Would Learn From States That Have Already Legalized Marijuana Under New Bipartisan Bills In Congress<\/a> appeared first on Marijuana Moment<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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