(ConservativeHub.com) – The House of Representatives voted to legalize marijuana on Friday, April 1, sending the bill to the Senate, where it may face significant hurdles. Democrats have been fighting to take it off the list of controlled substances, making it legal to buy and use recreationally. Yet the legislation faces significant bipartisan pushback as certain members from both political parties object to legalizing recreational marijuana.
Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) hopes to bring this legislative matter to legalize cannabis throughout the United States to a vote toward the end of April. He plans to present a comprehensive marijuana reform plan later this month, several weeks after the bill passed in the House, aiming to take this substance off the federal list of controlled drugs.
NEW: Democrats face tough climb on winning Senate approval of legal marijuana https://t.co/p7OcyJId8e pic.twitter.com/iSXSxi2Xyh
— The Hill (@thehill) April 11, 2022
However, moderate Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) recently told The Hill that although he supports legislation backing medical marijuana, he has concerns regarding legalizing the substance for recreational purposes.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) echoed that sentiment. She also pointed out the lack of comprehensive medical data covering the possible effects of recreational marijuana use.
Schumer’s most significant hurdle will be staunch Republicans’ stances against passing the legalization bill, but he faces opposition from some Democrats, like Shaheen, as well. Because the Senate is evenly split, Schumer will need the support of every Democrat, and he would need to convince at least 10 Republicans to back the bill for the law to pass.
What do you think? Is this uphill battle worth fighting, or will it go up in smoke?
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