Voters in South Dakota approved a recreational legalization measure in November that is now tied up in court. Three dozen states and counting have also legalized medical marijuana, including conservative strongholds such as Alabama and Oklahoma.
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Three out of the 18 states that have embraced full legalization - Alaska, Montana and Maine - are represented by at least one Republican senator. You got to have some principle, yourself.” When asked if he believes his position is in conflict with the will of Alabamans, Shelby replied, “I don’t know. Richard Shelby of Alabama, where medical marijuana was legalized earlier this year.
“I think they can do other narcotics and things to relieve people’s pain and suffering,” said GOP Sen. Others, however, said they were not on board with any type of federal cannabis legislation. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Kevin Cramer of North Dakota said they were open to discussing ways to remove federal cannabis penalties. None committed to vote to remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act, but Sens. POLITICO spoke with a dozen GOP senators who represent medical or recreational cannabis markets in recent days. In some states, such as Montana and South Dakota, marijuana did better on the ballot than their senators. Lawmakers whose constituents have already approved some form of legal marijuana are seen as the most likely to support loosening federal restrictions, but so far Republican senators appear largely unmoved by the will of voters when it comes to weed.
Jon Tester and Jeanne Shaheen are unlikely to back the measure - to join his cause. But before he can corner the White House on the issue, Schumer must convince at least 10 Republicans - possibly more, since Democrats like Sens. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is vowing to push a far-reaching federal legalization bill, even if President Joe Biden isn’t on board. “The people in Montana decided they want to have it legal in our state, and that’s why I support the SAFE Banking Act as well - it’s the right thing to do - but I don’t support federal legalization.” “I oppose it,” said Daines, who is otherwise a lead sponsor of the SAFE Banking Act, which would make it easier for the cannabis industry to access financial services, such as bank accounts and small business loans.