\u201cIn the coming weeks, we\u2019re ramping up our outreach\u2014and we expect to introduce final legislation. Our goal is to do it in April,\u201d Schumer said at the New York event. \u201cThen we begin the nationwide push, spearheaded by New York, to get the federal law done. As majority leader, I can set priorities. This is a priority for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nI stood with an extraordinary group of organizers, advocates, and legislators to renew our work in the Senate for comprehensive federal marijuana legalization.<\/p>\n
We need to bring the spirit of New York\u2019s groundbreaking legalization and address the wrongs of the War on Drugs. pic.twitter.com\/C9eyenSqA1<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) February 4, 2022<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Advocates were encouraged when Schumer first disclosed details about his Cannabis Administration & Opportunity Act (CAOA)<\/a>, which he unveiled in draft form for public comment in July, but they\u2019ve grown impatient with his repeated comments in the months since that a formal introduction was coming \u201csoon.\u201d Now he\u2019s set a target timeline, and the leader also separately said in a meeting with activists that he expects committee hearings on the proposal<\/a> shortly after it\u2019s finally filed.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight now, we\u2019re taking those comments [on the draft version] and reaching out to Democratic and Republican senators,\u201d Schumer said, adding that \u201cwe have some Republican support.\u201d It\u2019s not clear if he\u2019s indicating that there will be GOP cosponsors on the bill itself or if he\u2019s referencing general support from voters and some lawmakers across party lines for ending prohibition.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf any senators have other ideas that they want to add to the bill, as long as it keeps social and economic justice as the spearhead, we\u2019re happy and willing to listen,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\nAs Majority Leader\u2014I can set priorities<\/p>\n
Comprehensive federal marijuana legalization with justice for the communities most impacted by the War on Drugs\u2014especially communities of color\u2014is a Senate priority<\/p>\n
With marijuana justice, the people are on our side. We will move forward. pic.twitter.com\/gtt6YVpHHG<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) February 4, 2022<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Even if committee hearings start quickly following an April introduction, it seems highly unlikely that it will pass and make it to the president\u2019s desk by the unofficial cannabis holiday 4\/20, as Schumer said he wanted to see happen in a Senate floor speech delivered last April 20<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Schumer, Nadler, several New York lawmakers also made the case at Friday\u2019s event that while New York\u2019s legalization law, which is actively being implemented, should serve as a model for the country, comprehensive equity will only be achievable once federal prohibition is lifted.<\/p>\n
\nEarlier today I attended a press conference on Marijuana Justice along with Senator Charles Schumer, RWDSU, the Drug Policy Alliance and others. pic.twitter.com\/09NdVJ9X2y<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Senator Diane Savino (@dianesavino) February 4, 2022<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\u201cWe want to renew the case for comprehensive marijuana reform that repairs the harm of the war on drugs at the federal level, using the great work that has been done here in New York as an example and way to lead,\u201d Schumer said, adding that \u201cjust because we have a state law, the federal law still creates problems, and that\u2019s why one of the many reasons we need to change it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The majority leader\u2019s office has been involved in negotiations with advocates and stakeholders, both on his legalization measure as well as the SAFE Banking Act, which he was blamed for blocking as part of a separate defense bill<\/a> late last year.<\/p>\n
The leader and colleagues have insisted on passing comprehensive legalization first before banking\u2014but the sponsor of the banking bill, Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), told Marijuana Moment on Friday that, after initiating conversations with the leader\u2019s office, there may be a path forward to advance his legislation through both chambers with equity-focused amendments that Schumer wants to see.<\/p>\n
With respect to Schumer\u2019s legalization bill, the Senate leader emphasized late last year that he wants to keep the \u201cbig boys\u201d out of the marijuana industry<\/a> in favor of creating opportunities for smaller operators when cannabis is federally legalized, and he said that his upcoming bill would accomplish that.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t want the big boys to come in,\u201d he said at the time. \u201cAfter all the pain that\u2019s been occurring in communities like the one you represent in Brooklyn, where I\u2019m from\u2014to have the big boys come in and make all the money makes no sense.\u201d<\/p>\n
He\u2019s made similar remarks in the past, stressing that his reform bill will take specific steps to restrict the ability of large alcohol and tobacco companies<\/a> to overtake the industry.<\/p>\n
Nadler, meanwhile, discussed on Friday his Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, which would also end federal prohibition and promote social equity in the industry like CAOA. That bill passed the House in a historic first last session, and it cleared Nadler\u2019s Judiciary Committee again<\/a> in September.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe war on drugs\u2014and particularly the criminalization of marijuana\u2014has been a failure that has unleashed untold suffering on millions of Americans, especially within minority communities,\u201d Nadler said. \u201cI am proud to stand here with Senator Schumer, and with the many other legislators and advocates with us today, who are leading the way in reforming our laws and bringing justice to those who have been harmed by these unfair and destructive policies.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nStates have led the way in reforming our laws\u2014including here in New York\u2014but as long as there is a conflict with our federal laws, we must address this issue on a national level. <\/p>\n
It is time for us to act and right the wrongs caused by the failed war on drugs.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Rep. Nadler (@RepJerryNadler) February 4, 2022<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Also at the event, Velazquez talked about the importance of ending prohibition, as well as opening up Small Business Administration (SBA) resources for marijuana businesses.<\/p>\n
\nThis morning, I joined @SenSchumer<\/a>, @RepJerryNadler<\/a>, @VOCALNewYork<\/a>, @DPA_NY<\/a>, @ImmDefense<\/a> & @RWDSU<\/a> to urgently call for comprehensive federal marijuana reform legislation.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s time for the federal government to get with the times. pic.twitter.com\/2GcutuvCJ1<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Rep. Nydia Velazquez (@NydiaVelazquez) February 4, 2022<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\u201cChange will not happen, change will not come, unless we demand it,\u201d the congresswoman said. \u201cAnd because we have been demanding it, public opinion has changed dramatically. So it is time for government to act, particularly the federal government.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dan Goldman contributed reporting from New York.<\/em><\/p>\n
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