The long-awaited Senate marijuana legalization bill that was formally filed on Thursday has already gained two new cosponsors, including the third-highest-ranking Democrat in the chamber, who celebrated the measure’s introduction but also stressed the need to continue working to pass cannabis banking legislation as soon as possible.
Assistant Democratic Leader Patty Murray (D-WA) and Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) have signed onto the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA), raising the total number of senators on the bill to five. That includes the three prime sponsors: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ).
“It is long past time the federal government catches up to Washington state when it comes to cannabis laws,” Murray said in a press release. “This legislation is about justice, strengthening our economy, and bringing the federal government into the 21st century.”
“Our bill will undo deeply unfair and racially unjust laws that have disproportionately harmed people of color—that’s hugely important. It will also strengthen our economy by finally recognizing the cannabis industry and modernizing federal regulations,” the senator said.
It is long past time the federal government’s cannabis laws catch up to Washington state.
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