Teleconference Tuesday: Members of Congress to Introduce Two Bills to Reform Federal Marijuana Laws

On Tuesday, U.S. Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Jared Polis (D-CO) will hold a press teleconference to introduce two pieces of legislation that would reform federal marijuana policy.  Rep. Polis’ bill would end federal marijuana prohibition and let states decide their own marijuana policies without the threat of federal interference, and would set up a regulatory process – similar to the one for alcohol – for states that decide to legalize. Rep. Blumenauer’s bill will tax marijuana at the federal level.

Who:
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO)
Jesselyn McCurdy, Senior Legislative Council for the Washington Legislative Office of the American Civil Liberties Union (invited)
Bill Piper, Director of National Affairs for the Drug Policy Alliance, moderator
Steve Fox, Director of Government Relations for the Marijuana Policy Project
Betty Aldworth, Deputy Director for the National Cannabis Industry Association
Erik Altieri, Communications Director for NORML, The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
Aaron Houston, Executive Director, Students for Sensible Drug Policy

What: Press Teleconference

When: Tuesday, February 5. 5:00PM EST / 2:00PM PST

Location: Contact Tony Newman for details (646-335-5384)

Additionally, Reps. Blumenauer and Polis will release a report entitled "The Path Forward: Rethinking Federal Marijuana Policy" which outlines their perspective on marijuana policy and provides some background on marijuana regulation and opportunities for action. The congressmen have also established the Sensible Drug Policy Working Group which will provide a forum for members of Congress who are working on related issues and hope to advance legislation.