2020 has been a year of major change. As we enter the new year, this change is bound to continue. One major change coming is the legalization and decriminalization of certain drugs. This November, we saw 68% of New Jerseyans vote to legalize marijuana. The rest of the United States seems to be following suit. The U.S. House will be voting on whether or not to end the federal ban on marijuana, therefore descheduling the drug and allowing states to legalize it.
How is Marijuana Classified?
Currently, marijuana is considered to be a class 1 controlled substance. This means that marijuana is currently classified as a drug with a high potential for abuse, along with Heroin, LSD, and Ecstasy, among others. Opinions seem to be changing regarding marijuana as the medicinal benefits of it are discovered.
What Will The Law do?
The U.S. House will be discussing and voting on the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act, also known as the MORE Act. Some members of Congress believe that now is the time to capitalize on the current state of acceptance regarding marijuana. This would be the first-ever congressional vote to remove the ban on cannabis. Descheduling marijuana will allow states to legalize it. This would create a variety of changes. For example, banks will be able to issue “credit cards and checking accounts to legal cannabis businesses, and make it easier to study any medicinal benefits of pot,” according to NJ.com.
Importantly, the bill would require federal courts to expunge prior marijuana convictions. NJ.com states that some other things to come out of the bill include taxing weed to help communities hardest hit by the war on drugs, funding job training, and providing loans to minority-owned small businesses seeking to enter the cannabis industry.
When Will Marijuana Become Decriminalized?
The vote will take place soon, and while this may be a large step towards the decriminalization and the legalization of marijuana, it will be a long and complex process that will not occur overnight. It is important to note that weed has not yet been legalized in New Jersey, so you can still get in trouble with the law when it comes to possession.
If you or a loved one have been charged with a marijuana-related drug crime and you have any questions regarding how ending the ban on federal marijuana may affect you, reach out to our firm today.
Contact our experienced New Jersey firm
When someone is charged with a crime, they have a lot to consider. However, we understand that everyone makes mistakes, which is why we are here to help. No matter your circumstances, if you are facing criminal charges, contact the Law Offices of Michael A. Policastro today for the experienced legal counsel you deserve and need.
