Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) said, “Democrats, particularly the Congressional Black Caucus,” are to be blamed for cannabis still being a Schedule I drug. By Jelena Martinovic As we approach the end of another year that failed to see marijuana legalized on the federal level, there’s a bit of blame-shifting going on between the leading parties. According to a GOP congressman, Democrats are responsible for Congress’ inability to pass a federal marijuana legalization bill, Marijuana Moment writes. What Happened Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) said last week during an episode of his Firebrand podcast that “Democrats, particularly the Congressional Black Caucus,” are to be blamed for cannabis still being a Schedule I drug — considered to be more dangerous than opioids, while offering no medical benefits. He’s been critical of Democrats who’ve insisted that legalization measures contain specific equity provisions poised to address the consequences of the War on Drugs, emphasizing that they might be unnecessary and only holding up the adoption of long-anticipated and bipartisan-supported federal cannabis reform. Why It Matters Gaetz was one of few House Republicans who voted in favor of the MORE Act last year, a piece of legislation that could effectively decriminalize marijuana on a federal level.
Benzinga Staff Writer, The Fresh Toast, 12/27/2021 12:02:00