WASHINGTON, DC – The National Cannabis Roundtable (NCR) today called on Congress to pass the STATES Act in comments to the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. NCR’s comments are in response to the Committee’s hearing entitled “Marijuana Laws in America: Racial Justice and the Need for Reform” held on July 10, 2019.
NCR’s comments can be viewed here.
“Passage of the STATES Act is something we can do right now to benefit tens of millions of Americans that want safe and legal access to cannabis,” said Saphira Galoob, Executive Director for NCR. “As the cannabis industry matures, it can and should play a leading role in redressing past wrongs. But it can only do so if it is given a chance to prosper. The STATES Act will provide that chance.
“While passage of the STATES Act is an important first step as it removes the threat of federal prosecution for those complying with state law, we acknowledge that it will not be enough. Tens of millions of lives have been upended by the war on drugs, especially when it comes to cannabis. While legalization has brought tremendous social and economic benefits in several states, we recognize that few of those benefits have gone to those individuals and communities harmed by decades of prohibition.
“The National Cannabis Roundtable stands ready to work with the subcommittee and with social and racial justice advocates to craft additional legislation to address past injustices and ensure that the growing cannabis industry benefits all those who wish to participate.”