Lawmakers In US Push For Cannabis Decriminalisation

The decriminalisation of cannabis use in the United States has been ratified by US lawmakers on Friday.

This move synergises the country's federal laws with those existing in states across the country.

The bill that decriminalises the use of cannabis was passed by 228 votes to 164 in the House of Representatives that is majorly controlled by Democrats.

However, the passage of the bill might not be as easy at the Senate that is controlled by Republicans.

Passing the bill into law would delist cannabis from the federal Controlled Substances Act where it sits in the company of drugs like heroin and cocaine.

Some states in the US have legalised the use of cannabis for medical purposes, while the state of Colorado, for example, has decriminalised it for recreational purposes.

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Speaking on the move by the House, a Democratic Rep, Tulsi Gabbard said, "This is a historic moment".

Better Access

One of the arguments to back the passage of the bill is to ensure that veterans are able to get better access to medical marijuana.

On the other side of the divide, Republicans say that the passage of the bill would encourage citizens to use the drug.

Although, not all Republicans share that view; a Californian Republican, Tom McLintock, said that he sided with the bill because the over-regulation of the bill had seen the blossoming of traffickers and violent growers of the product.

He said, “I think marijuana use is a pretty bad idea. My wife and I have never gone near the stuff,” McClintock said before the vote.

“We have to recognize that the prohibition law has done far more harm. It has spawned a violent underground economy.”

“Radish farmers don’t kill each other over territory.”