The legalization of cannabis has many benefits. From increasing state tax revenue to giving patients a higher quality of life, it seems they are almost endless. With legalization, however, it leaves many grey areas between state and federal law. One of those grey areas is in relation to cannabis offenses committed by legal immigrants. One lawmaker is looking to resolve that grey area in favor of immigrants and legalization.
Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico who is the fourth highest-ranking Democrat in the House introduced “The Removing Marijuana from Deportable Offenses Act” on Wednesday, Sept. 18th. This comes just months after the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services released a statement regarding immigrants ineligibility for citizenship if they engage in cannabis-related activities or consume cannabis, as these activities, including working in legal state markets is not a representation of “good moral character.”
As it stands today, immigrants in the United States who are charged with cannabis crimes are subject to deportation. According to statistics provided by Human Rights Watch between the years of 2007 and 2012, more than 34,000 immigrants were deported simply for cannabis possession charges. “The Removing Marijuana from Deportable Offenses Act” would make it so that any cannabis charge that involves consumption, distribution, or possession of cannabis by an immigrant shall not be deciding grounds for deportation.
If passed, the bill would also allow immigrants that have been deported or denied a Visa the chance to have it reissued or to reapply at a later date. As Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján stated, “minor marijuana use should not be grounds for deportation it’s a wasteful use of resources and separates families. It’s time to end these and justices.”
He also stated that the “federal government should not be wasting resources to wreak havoc on immigration families when there are children held in border camps that are desperate for legal services, hygiene products, and basic humanitarian care. Providing care for these children and family should be where the Trump Administration devotes its funding not working as a deportation force.”
According to further statements, the assistant speaker is proud to be fighting for this legislation to pass as it will “hold President Trump accountable for the harm caused on immigrant communities from senseless and hateful policies.”
“The Removing Marijuana from Deportable Offenses Act” mirrors a companion bill that was introduced by Senator Cory Booker back in June. Cory Booker stated that “this administration’s effort to use marijuana possession as a tool for deportation is misguided and does not make our communities safer. Limited law enforcement resources should not be wasted on deporting people for something to the last three presidents have committed to doing. It should also not be wasted on deporting individuals for low-level cannabis crimes in which are completely legal in nearly half of the states in America.”
We couldn’t agree with either of these politicians more. The war on drugs has caused devastation in minority communities at disproportionate rates. It is time to put an end to this war and stop discriminating against people based on their choice to consume cannabis or work within the legal sector.
Note: Veriheal does not support illegally consuming therapeutic substances like cannabis and psilocybin but acknowledges that it transpires because of the current illicit status of both, which we strive to change by advocating for research, legal access, and responsible consumption. Always consult a physician before attempting alternative therapies. Cannabis and psilocybin have both been used…
Interest in cannabis terpenes is ever-increasing as consumers and researchers seek to understand the compounds behind the aromatic smells and their benefits. Most people are already familiar with the terpenes known as myrcene, pinene, limonene, linalool, humulene, and caryophyllene. However, there are many more yet to be made known. That being said, let’s have a…
According to Migraine.com, “Studies estimate that 12% of adults in the U.S. population have migraines, and 4 million have chronic migraine(s). Most individuals in the U.S. with migraine(s) experience one to two migraine attacks per month; however, those with chronic migraine(s) may have 15 migraine days, or more, per month.” Migraines are considered to be…
A simple internet search for cannabis patient stories will provide you with countless heart-wrenching anecdotes surrounding those who have found a new quality of life through cannabis. As cannabinoid therapies continue to become more accessible and less stigmatized, many medical patients struggling to heal via traditional methods have gone green to treat their conditions. One…
Cannabis reform is booming in Italy. A ballot campaign launched by several pro-cannabis organizations and political parties in the country last week earned the required 500,000 signatures to continue down the road to cannabis decriminalization. The campaign needed to gather at least 500,000 supporting signatures by Sept. 30 in order to qualify for a popular…
For the second time, the U.S. Supreme Court has decided not to help resolve an ongoing legal battle between the Internal Revenue…
At one time, it was all about THC. Then came CBD. Then Delta-8 and Delta-10 were all the rage. Now, the latest…
A Congresswoman with a record of voting against cannabis is now investing in the industry. Medical patients in Virginia are lining up…
