Schakowsky Statement on Protecting State Marijuana Laws

Statement

"Last month, the citizens of Washington spoke and they decided to legalize marijuana. Today, the law goes into effect. However, marijuana use is still illegal under federal law and a person can be subject to arrest by federal authorities for marijuana use despite state law.

I believe states should have the right to determine the legality of marijuana use, and I recently cosponsored a bill to remove marijuana from the list of federally controlled substances. The war on drugs has been a failure and current U.S. marijuana policies are causing more harm than good. The United States incarcerates more people per capita than any other country in the world -- heavily on non-violent drug offenses. It's time for another approach.

I am a cosponsor of H.R. 6606, legislation that will prevent federal law from preempting state law, regarding the use of marijuana. States should lead the way towards a more cost-effective, appropriate way to deal with marijuana use."

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