We were hoping it would happen, and it looks like we might get it. House members on Capitol Hill have introduced a bill that would stop the federal government from interfering with state marijuana laws.
The legislation, called House Bill 6606, The Respect State’s and Citizens’ Rights act of 2012, calls to amend the US Controlled Substances Act. The bill is sponsored by Republican Diana DeGette of Colorado and is co-sponsored by House members from the state of CA, TN, MA, AZ and TX. The bill seems to have been prompted by the recent marijuana laws that passed in Colorado and Washington. Republic Polis is quoted as saying, “Colorado officials and law enforcement are already working to implement the will of Colorado voters, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in Congress.”
Republican DeGette’s prepared statement implies that revenue the states will make off of the taxes from marijuana sales is apparently another reason for the legislation. Said Rep. DeGette in a prepared statement, “My constituents have spoken and I don’t want the federal government denying money to Colorado or taking other punitive steps that would undermine the will of our citizens.”
Congress is in the final days of this session and the economy and budget are on the top of their list. Therefore, it is unlikely that the bill will be addressed this year. It is believed that the bill will be reintroduced in January for the 2013 session of Congress.
