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