There are politicians who support cannabis for a vote, and then there are politicians who you can tell just get it. Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace of South Carolina is one of those politicians who just gets it.
As well as understanding that the war on drugs was a massive waste of time, Mace understands that the people want legalization and won’t stand down until their representatives hear them loud and clear. Additionally, as someone who has openly admitted to utilizing cannabis to help herself get through one of the most trying times of her life, she understands the general medical benefits that this plant offers.
She was quoted as saying the following regarding cannabis in a recent article by Forbes:
“It’s American, it’s uniting. There are three things that really bring people together—animals, Britney Spears, and cannabis. Those are the three things I’ve found that have struck a chord with the American people and that can bring people together at the dinner table—just like apple pie.”
In November 2021 Mace introduced legislation known as the States Reform Act with the hope of reforming cannabis-related laws at the federal level. Although cannabis reform bills have historically failed to pass both the House and Senate, Mace has some unlikely contenders in her corner. Not only does the Koch brothers’ conservative organization Americans for Prosperity support this bill, but so does Amazon! Let’s take a closer look at what this piece of legislation is proposing.
While this piece of legislation will not exactly legalize cannabis across the country, it would make some absolutely substantial changes. At a high level, here are the major changes that the States Reform Act would bring forth if passed:
If passed, states would no longer be able to cling to the excuse of federal illegality and would be open to legalizing, decriminalizing, or otherwise reforming cannabis laws at the state level. According to Forbes, Mace “…estimates that if her bill were to pass, and some 2,800 federal prisoners incarcerated for non-violent cannabis crimes were released and another 1,100 or so people who get put in prison for similar crimes each year are not incarcerated, the government would save nearly $600 million over five years.”
Amazon announced in June that it would be excluding cannabis from the majority of its pre-employment and employment drug screenings. At this time, the retail giant also began lobbying for cannabis legalization. Since then, representatives with the company have met with Mace and vowed their support for the States Reform Act.
Brian Huseman, Amazon’s vice president of public policy, stated the following in regard to the States Reform Act: “This bill offers comprehensive reform that speaks to the emergence of a bipartisan consensus to end the federal prohibition of cannabis.” Like Mace stated, “There’s a million reasons to end federal prohibition and the only place where this is controversial is up here [in Washington, D.C.]. It’s an enormously popular idea. America is like: ‘WTF, D.C., why have you not done this yet?’”
Support for cannabis legalization has risen dramatically among Americans in recent years. One survey conducted by market research firm YouGov in November 2021 showed that 57% of Americans support full cannabis legalization, and many other polls reflect similar sentiments. Seeing a retail giant such as Amazon speak out publicly in support of what many consider to be a controversial subject is a clear sign that the times are changing.
Not only does this legislation have the support that other bills have not, but it also offers changes that would have a positive ripple effect throughout our society. The aspect regarding interstate commerce is a game-changer that could substantially fuel the industry and the economy if passed. The job market expansion would also be quite substantial, opening the doors for thousands of new jobs.
While the lower 3% excise tax rate might not make many politicians smile, it is much more in line with what a federal tax should look like in comparison to other proposals. The expungement of nonviolent cannabis-related charges would also start to open more doors for the communities most affected by the war on drugs, offering opportunities to enter the burgeoning sector that have historically remained closed for many.
Not only would we not be incarcerating people over a plant, but we would also be freeing up resources to solve real crimes as well as taking a strain off of our prison systems. We would be taking a real step toward rectifying the wrongdoings of the failed war on drugs. Most importantly, though, we would be making nature legal once again—as it should always have been.
A few years ago I was diagnosed with cancer. The operation to remove the cancer was extensive and left me with a drawer full of prescribed drugs, prescription opioids for pain relief which may have taken the edge off while healing but whose side effects were worse than the pain. I thought to myself, I’m not consuming any more of this narcotic shit and sought other forms of pain management relief. I had previously smoked a bit of marijuana and thought to myself, why not! I made the decision to start using Cannibus as the single source of pain relief.
Wow! Night and day difference. Not only did I have no pain I felt great! My appetite was back too.
I spoke to my doctors about this decision and asked why had they not pursued this as a treatment source. And did they actually know the useful benefits of this wonder plant. Their reply was no as there is no science behind it yet. My reply, look at all of the science behind Cannibus that is at your fingertips through scientific journals right here on the campus of UNC! Look at all of the science right in the magazines you should be reading anyway! Go to a national cannibus conference and see convention centers absolutely filled with cutting edge scientific and technology driven products.
The nurse stated that while she had not consumed cannibus it did intrigue her. She thought wow this could alleviate pain, both physical and mentally, for thousands of patients going through surgery and and post surgery healing.
A sip of your favorite Cab or Chardonnay and a puff here and there or if you prefer not to smoke taking a nibble on your favorite THC or CBD infused cannibus munchie and you will be amazed at how delightful your outlook can be.
Hats off to all who fight for this wonder plant. It will revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry for pain managements practices across America.
But perhaps this is the reason it has not made its way to your local pharmacist shelf in the first place. The power of the pharmaceutical industry is staggering with profits.
My stance is this. Make the tobacco industry shift gears. Go away from cigarette production and make a simple change toward cannibus production. The farming community would benefit as well. They could finally raise a crop that would instantly change the family farming dynamic forever by finally putting much needed money in their pockets.
My father was the International Director of Research and Development for RJ Reynolds Tobacco and my grandfather worked at RJR in Winston Salem, NC as well. This was their career. Ultimately, cigarettes killed them both as well as countless other people in my family and across America.
Tell me this. Have you ever heard of anyone dying from smoking Marijuana?
The answer is no. It’s not the tobacco that kills you. It’s all the other “science” behind it that keeps you coming back for more tobacco. A cigarette is nothing more than a nicotine delivery system and is laced with so many things that keep you coming back for more. I digress.
America absolutely supports this wonder plant. It’s not addictive but even if it is was who cares! Tax it so the “fat cats” in Washington have something to hang their hats on. We, America, will fully support this and in fact already do.
It’s time for a change and that time is now. Roll on America and roll up one today. Make every day a 420 day!
It changed my life and so too can it have a positive impact on yours. The good Lord put this little weed on Earth for a reason. It’s high time we start utilizing it!
Subscribe to magazines supporting Marijuana research and the collective effort to legalize it. Support those companies who recognize that cannibus is the future and that future is already here.
Wake up tomorrow in a rested and more peaceful state. Take care and take a bit of cannibus with you. Support those states that have legalized cannibus. Travel there. Spend your hard earned vacation money there instead of the non licensed state you live in. Watch how fast the tide turns and in fact is already turning!
Take care America and take Cannibus!
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