WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, aka NORML, announced yesterday that a congressional committee will hold a hearing, entitled “Marijuana Laws in America: Racial Justice and the Need for Reform” on July 10. The House Judiciary subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security will conduct the hearing.
NORML anticipates that the development signals a significant move for Congress to begin reforming national cannabis policies legislation, or a comprehensive package that will update cannabis laws in the U.S.
“For the first time in recent memory, there will be a candid conversation in the Judiciary Committee about the failures of marijuana prohibition in the United States and how people have been impacted,” NORML Political Director Justin Strekal said in a statement. “We look forward to working with the subcommittee to best inform the conversation in committee next week and the public at large on the implications of how Congress should move forward.”
According to NORML:
- The witnesses for the Democratic caucus include States Attorney Marilyn Mosby of Baltimore, Dr. Malik Barnett, and Dr. David Nathan. The witness called by the Republican caucus is Neal Levine.
- The Judiciary Committee is chaired by Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY), whose support of marijuana policy reform dates back to the ’70s when he was a state lawmaker in New York.
- Karen Bass (D-CA)—who recently voted in favor of restricting the Department of Justice from enforcing prohibition in states that have reformed including her home state of California—chairs the subcommittee.
Coincidentally, July 10, aka 7/10, is a budding industry holiday—Dab Day—which celebrates cannabis oil and concentrates.
