Lawmakers Introduce Bills to Ease Tax Burdens, Criminal Penalties on Pot
Two of Congress’ biggest proponents of marijuana legalization redoubled their efforts Thursday with a package of bills to “pave the way” for federal regulation of the burgeoning pot industry. The announcement comes amid continued confusion about whether the Trump administration intends to follow through on threats to crack down on marijuana use — including in states where it is legal.The package of three bills, introduced by two Oregon Democrats, Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep. Earl Blumenauer, would provide an additional layer of security to the fledgling $7 billion marijuana industry by removing tax burdens and the threat of criminal prosecution from businesses and individuals.That threat has become more pronounced in the absence of clear statements from Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who has equated pot with heroin, on whether he will continue an Obama-era policy that discouraged the enforcement of federal marijuana laws in states where it is legal.
Source: Lawmakers Introduce Bills to Ease Tax Burdens, Criminal Penalties on Pot
