With many preaching for the legalization of marijuana, we may finally be nearing the day where we're all able to light up in the streets. For years, it's been a topic in politics: should marijuana remain illegal? Some states have proven to be more progressive than others with the plant but others have been insanely strict. Laws surrounding marijuana consumption and possession are downright ridiculous. Soon, we may be closing in on Canada, who legalized pot last year.
A bill was introduced in the Senate this week by Senator Ron Wyden, which may be the next step in national legalization. According to The Verge, the new bill, hilariously called S.420, would give the DEA sixty days to remove marijuana from its list of controlled substances. If that happens, weed could no longer be compared to heroin. The bill also suggests an excise tax be added to marijuana merchants, similar to the way tobacco and alcohol are sold. Cannabis products would need to be labelled much like alcohol is right now.
While the bills introduced may not become law, Wyden is confident that marijuana will become legal soon. "The American people have elected the most pro-cannabis Congress in American history and significant pieces of legislation are being introduced," he said.