GOP Congressman Wants To Defund Governments Supporting Cannabis Legalization

A North Carolina lawmaker is advocating against the next month's referendum that seeks to legalize recreational cannabis on tribal land, reported Marijuana Moment.

In an op-ed piece recently featured in The Cherokee One Feather, GOP Rep. Chuck Edwards said that Congress couldn't halt the upcoming EBCI referendum scheduled for September 7. However, he told the members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians should vote against it.

Why?

Edwards says giving the green light to the sale of recreational marijuana to all adults 21 and older on EBCI land that's spread "all over western North Carolina" would be "irresponsible," as it would "allow our citizens to travel only a few miles to buy and use this common gateway drug."

He added that the policy change would lead to driving while impaired, "drug tourism," as well as "criminal activity that would inevitably follow."

Edwards said he intends to introduce a measure in Congress that would "defund governments that ignore federal law." Under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), the manufacture, importation, possession, use or distribution of cannabis is illegal on the federal level.

Marijuana's scheduling status will undoubtedly be one of the hot topics at the upcoming Benzinga event in Chicago.

Cannabis Efforts In North Carolina

Cannabis in North Carolina is illegal for any use except for minimal medical use. Moreover, House Majority Leader John Bell (R) confirmed recently that the chances of the medical marijuana bill moving forward in this session are slim.

In July, he said in an interview with Spectrum News that lawmakers are divided on the issue. "There's passion on both sides," Bell said. "We have members of our caucus that are 100% supportive of it, and we have other members that are 100% against it."

Tim Moore (R) agreed with Bell's comments that the bill doesn't have enough support to advance.

The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, the place where deals get done, is returning to Chicago this Sept 27-28 for its 17th edition. Get your tickets today before prices increase and secure a spot at the epicenter of cannabis investment and branding.

Photo: Courtesy of Jeff W on Unsplash