On Wednesday, marijuana reform advocates announced that they will hold a policy forum in the U.S. Capitol Building to discuss the unofficial cannabis holiday of 4/20. Speakers include Senator Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D–NY).
The National Cannabis Policy Summit’s Congressional Forum will be held in the Capitol Visitors Center’s Congressional Auditorium. It will bring together experts, advocates, legislators, stakeholders, and patients to discuss the need for federal reform, with a particular focus on equity.
Although pro-legalization forums and festivals have been held outside the Capitol in Washington, D.C. in recent years, this policy-centric affair–details which were exclusively shared with Marijuana Moment before the announcement–will take place inside Capitol Building. This is a sign that marijuana issues are becoming more common as more states legalize it and federal reform pressure continues to mount.
The fact that top lawmakers from the US will be present and talk at the event further supports normalization. Schumer is the most prominent legislator scheduled to appear. He will likely discuss his efforts to end federal prohibition and negotiate a deal to enact small cannabis reforms.
The event will also feature Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-CO, and Reps. Earl Blumenauer(D-OR), Barbara Lee and Dave Joyce (R–OH), Nancy Mace and Brian Mast.
“We are delighted to bring the National Cannabis Policy Summit’s Congressional Forum into the Capitol Building during this crucial time for cannabis policy reform,” Caroline Phillips (founder of the National Cannabis Policy Summit) stated in a Press Release. “To be able to sit in the Capitol Building and listen to the Members of Congress make the policy decisions is a testament to how far we have come as a nation in reimagining drugs policy. We’ll also have the opportunity to discuss the next steps on April 20th.”
This congressional event will be held two days before the 7th Annual National Cannabis Festival which will be held at RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.
As legalization has grown, 4/20 has evolved into more than just a celebration of cannabis culture. There are also major brands and celebrities who use the day as a symbol to push for reform .
Schumer used the holiday to reiterate his commitment to ending the prohibition in past years, including speech on the Senate Floor in 2021.
He also talked about his promise to bring his long-awaited legalization bill to the National Cannabis Policy Summit last week (4/20). was the majority leader, but the legislation didn’t end up moving.
Although it is unlikely that comprehensive legalization will be enacted this session, given the fact that Republicans have regained control of the House, there are still hopes that legislation regarding marijuana banking and exonerations could pass in the divided Congress.
In the meantime, President Joe Biden issued a mass pardon for federal cannabis possession offenses last year and directed an administrative review into marijuana scheduling.
Recently, the head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), stated that he didn’t expect the agency to complete its scientific evaluation of cannabis by 4/20. However, he shared marijuana news at precisely 4:20 PM on multiple occasions.
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Image element courtesy Tim Evanson.
The post Schumer to Speak at 4/20 Marijuana Policy Forum inside The U.S Capitol Together With Other Lawmakers appeared originally on Marijuana Moment.
