So my congresswoman Elizabeth Warren responded to my letter inspired by NORMAL. She's ok in this respect and a forward thinker in general for a Ugh politician. Go Congresswoman Warren!
Dear Stoneotter,
Thank you for contacting me about marijuana policy.
I support the implementation of recreational and medical marijuana laws in Massachusetts and will continue to monitor the state's efforts to balance the needs of patients and communities with the regulation of this drug. Congress must take critical steps to protect these efforts - and I will continue to fight for them.
I am concerned about the actions by former Attorney General Jeff Sessions to overturn existing Department of Justice (DOJ) guidance that protected the ability of states, territories, and tribal governments to implement their own marijuana enforcement policies. That is why last Congress I was pleased to join Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) to introduce the STATES Act, which would end the federal prohibition on state marijuana laws and respect the implementation of these efforts. Last year, I also joined Congressman Polis of Colorado to send a
bipartisan, bicameral letter to President Trump urging him to overturn the Attorney General's actions. Congress must ensure that both DOJ and state resources are used effectively, and that marijuana regulations improve public health and safety. I will continue to monitor any actions by the DOJ, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and other federal agencies to safeguard these state efforts while also advocating for my bipartisan STATES Act. While I understand that many are concerned about these state efforts, it is important that we find ways to promote public health and safety, as well as ensure that these regulations prevent our youth from using marijuana for non-medical purposes.
I also support efforts to reschedule marijuana, which is currently classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This is the same federal classification assigned to heroin. We need to reclassify marijuana so that we can facilitate these state efforts through a common sense drug policy. We also need to ensure that these policies are administered fairly and that we reverse the harm of the war on drugs, which is why I am an original cosponsor of Senator Booker's (D-NJ) legislation, the Marijuana Justice Act. This legislation would help us wipe clean the records of those unjustly jailed for minor marijuana crimes while reinvesting in communities that have been unjustly targeted by our outdated marijuana laws. By outlawing marijuana, the federal government puts communities of color, small businesses, public health and safety at risk.
We must also improve access to marijuana for researchers. I believe that there is a unique opportunity for the federal government to facilitate research on the risks and benefits of medical marijuana, and reduce barriers for qualified researchers looking to expand our knowledge base on the effectiveness of marijuana as treatment. I have led letters with several of my colleagues to the Department of Health and Human Services, the DEA, DOJ, and the Office of National Drug Control Policy to ask about their efforts to facilitate medical marijuana research and coordinate with states that have approved the drug for use, and I am a co-sponsor of the CARERS Act. I have also reached out to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine what epidemiological research they have conducted, in particular to
understand the effectiveness of medical marijuana as an alternative to opioids for pain treatment, and the impact that legalization may have on opioid overdose deaths.
I am also a cosponsor of the SAFE Banking Act, which would provide access to banking for legitimate medical marijuana businesses by providing a safe harbor from federal anti-money laundering laws. Due to existing laws, financial institutions are often unable to provide banking services, such as checking and savings accounts and loans, to any business that involves a Schedule I substance, including marijuana. As a result, most marijuana businesses that obey state marijuana laws must operate in cash only, putting them at high-risk for robbery and placing an unnecessary burden on consumers. I also joined my colleagues to request that the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network improve guidance for banks regarding marijuana dispensaries and ancillary services they utilize, such as attorneys and security services. I have also supported efforts to ensure that veterans have access to medical marijuana in states where it is legal.
I appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts with me, and I hope that you will continue to reach out to my office about issues that are important to you, or if I can ever be of assistance.
Sincerely,