Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania is advocating for the legalization of marijuana ahead of April 20, a day celebrated by those who consume the drug. He noted that while Washington, D.C. allows legal marijuana use, Pennsylvania only permits it for medicinal purposes. Fetterman pointed out that many states surrounding Pennsylvania have already legalized marijuana for recreational use, highlighting the discrepancy in policies between neighboring states. Despite widespread public support for legalization, Pennsylvania has yet to make any progress in this area.
The origins of 4/20’s association with marijuana remain unclear, with various theories posited as to how the holiday originated. Fetterman emphasized the importance of ensuring that legal marijuana is safe, pure, taxed, and easily accessible, in contrast to potentially dangerous illegally purchased substances. He called for Federal government intervention to deschedule marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act, which currently classifies it as a schedule I drug alongside substances like heroin and LSD. Fetterman argued that individuals should not face criminal repercussions for nonviolent marijuana offenses.
Fetterman has urged President Biden to take federal action to reform marijuana policy, emphasizing the bipartisan support for legalization. He highlighted the need for states to continually evolve their policies to address existing illegal markets and ensure that legally acquired marijuana becomes more affordable and accessible. Fetterman believes that legalization would benefit both Democrats and Republicans, providing a common ground for bipartisan collaboration on the issue.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 24 states, along with Washington, D.C. and two U.S. territories, have legalized marijuana for recreational use in small amounts. Fetterman argued that the legalization of marijuana for adults should not carry any criminal penalties, and expressed hope for continued progress in evolving policy. He believes that eliminating illegal markets through affordable, legal access to marijuana will be a key step in moving towards successful policy development.
While some speculate on the origin of 4/20 as a holiday for marijuana enthusiasts, Fetterman is focused on advocating for sensible, regulated access to the drug in Pennsylvania. He pointed to neighboring states like Ohio, New York, and New Jersey, which have already moved towards legalization, as examples for Pennsylvania to follow. The senator’s efforts to lobby for federal descheduling of marijuana and push for state-level policy reform underscore his commitment to advancing marijuana legalization in Pennsylvania.
Fetterman’s advocacy for marijuana legalization aligns with the larger national trend towards reforming drug policy. He highlighted the need for safe, regulated access to marijuana for adults and the potential benefits of eliminating illegal markets in states where the drug has been legalized. By emphasizing bipartisan support for legalization and calling for federal intervention to deschedule marijuana, Fetterman is positioning himself at the forefront of the push for sensible drug policy reform in Pennsylvania and beyond.
