(Image source from: drugabuse.gov)

The Democratic -controlled House in Pennsylvania approved the bill to decriminalize and tax marijuana at the federal level. Decriminalizing addresses the steps to address racial disparities in enforcement of federal drug laws.

However, Republicans are against the passing of this bill, constantly mocking the democrats for passing the law during the corona virus pandemic.

Democrats are confident that they can work on the pandemic relief and marijuana reforms simultaneously and noted that the House passed a major pandemic relief bill in May.

Supporters state that decriminalizing the drug will help reverse adverse effects on the deceased-long war on drugs. Marijuana and cannabis has been removed from the list of federally controlled substances . The money used fro taxes on weed will be used to address the needs of group and communities harmed by the drug war and provide for the deduction of federal marijuana convictions and arrests.

The bill’s aim is a major step towards ending the unjust war on drugs and racial inequities that are central to these laws.

The bill will also open up more opportunities for marijuana business, big and small across the state. It benefits the minorities, small business owners, farmers and the agricultural department.

The tax generated from marijuana will also be used to help animal organizations through out the US.

By Meena Atmakuri