The Green Mountain State is making history, becoming the first state to legalize marijuana, not through a popular vote, but by legislation.
But the mayor of the Vermont’s capital city Montpelier told Cheddar that things need to change on the federal level.
“I think it’s just appalling, the use of federal crime resources to be chasing marijuana use,” John Hollar said. “I think it’s really ironic that this is coming from a Republican administration that purports to support states’ rights. But when it comes to marijuana, it decides that this is something it’s going to deal with at a federal level...I hope it gets overturned by Congress or reconsidered by the Attorney General.”
His comments refer to Attorney General Jeff Sessions who recently rescinded an Obama-era law that allows states to regulate marijuana without federal interference.
Under its new law, Vermont residents can carry up to an ounce of marijuana for personal, recreational use and grow, though commercial sales are still prohibited.
Some members of Congress are fighting Sessions’ efforts with the REFER Act. The proposed bill, introduced by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), aims to protect states, and people in those states, that allow the use of cannabis.
Attorney General William Barr, one of President Donald Trump’s staunchest allies, is resigning amid lingering tension with the president over the president’s baseless claims of election fraud and the investigation into President-elect Joe Biden’s son.
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A bipartisan group of lawmakers is unveiling a proposal for COVID-19 relief as Congress searches for a final agreement.
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Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif. 13th District) talked to Cheddar about her hopes that the American people will join in the push toward an equitable cannabis industry.
As members of the Electoral College meet to cast their votes for the 2020 presidential election, Cheddar explores how the body works and whether it's the best option.
The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a lawsuit backed by President Donald Trump to overturn Joe Biden’s election victory, ending a desperate attempt to get legal issues rejected by state and federal judges before the nation’s highest court and subvert the will of voters.
Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) joined Cheddar to discuss the need for the federal government to provide more help to states in order to effectively distribute the COVID vaccines.
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Sen. Mike Lee of Utah objected to the creation of the two proposed Smithsonian museums.
