Monthly Archives: March 2017

Sen. Wyden introduces bill to legalize Cannabis in US

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Culture Magazine reports:
New measures have been filed in the House and Senate today to remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act and create a federal regulatory process for states that choose to regulate the cultivation and sale of cannabis for adult use.

This morning, March 30, Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), Congressmen Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon) and Jared Polis (D-Colorado) introduced legislation that would end cannabis prohibition in the United States. If the bill were passed it would permit individual states to put a cannabis policy into place without fear of the federal government tampering with their cannabis laws. It would also allow the FDA to recognize cannabis as medicine.

Wyden and Blumenauer also filed cannabis policy “gap” bills that are aimed at eliminating many of the collateral consequences associated with federal cannabis convictions without removing cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act. An additional bill was filed this morning that would reform section 280E of the U.S. Tax Code to allow state-legal cannabis businesses to deduct ordinary and necessary business expenses from their federal taxes.

“With marijuana legalization being supported by 60 percent of all Americans while Congress’ approval rating is in the low teens, ending our country’s disastrous prohibition against marijuana would not just be good policy, but good politics,” Erik Alteri, Executive Director of NORML , stated in a press release.

Full Report @ Culture Magazine http://ireadculture.com/bill-legalize-cannabis-nationwide-introduced/

Nationwide Screening of “1984” set for April 4.

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On April 4, 2017 more than 180 art house movie theaters in 165 cities will be screening “1984” based on the novel for George Orwell, and starring John Hurt as Winston Smith. The film will also be shown at five theaters in Canada, one in the UK and one in Sweden.

The nationwide screening of this anti-totalitarian classic is inspired by the election of President Trump and the threat to freedom that his actions pose. Every President poses a threat to freedom, but we can be thankful that this President has generated a response – a desire to reaffirm our understanding of freedom and the threats to freedom posed by a powerful government.

The nationwide screening can also be seen as a way to honor John Hurt, who died last month after a distinguished career in movies.

A complete listing of theaters that are taking part is available @ http://www.unitedstateofcinema.com/

Gillespie:”GOP Rep. Thomas Garrett Intros Bill To End Federal Pot Prohibition”

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Rep. Thomas Garrett is a freshman Republican congressman who represents Virginia’s 5th district. But being a newbie from a socially conservative area isn’t stopping him from going big and bold right out of the chute: He has just introduced a bill called the “Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2017.” From his office:

If passed, this bill would take marijuana off the federal controlled substances list—joining other industries such as alcohol and tobacco.

Originally introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders in 2015, this bill fulfills a responsibility to create a level playing field across the country….

“This step allows states to determine appropriate medicinal use and allows for industrial hemp growth, something that will provide a major economic boost to agricultural development in Southside Virginia. In the coming weeks, I anticipate introducing legislation aimed at growing the hemp industry in Virginia, something that is long overdue.”

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) is the Democratic co-sponsor in the House. Sanders’ Senate legislation died when it was introduced a couple of years ago but now fully eight states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational pot.
Full Post @ Reason Hit & Run http://reason.com/blog/2017/03/01/gop-rep-thomas-garrett-intros-bill-to-en

Press Release from office of Rep. Thomas Garrett https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/garrett-introduces-legislation-remove-marijuana-controlled-substances-list