DC Congresswoman Norton Requests Marijuana Plants Be Displayed At US Botanic Garden

Democratic congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton who represents Washington, D.C., in the House of Representatives is requesting the US Botanic Garden display cannabis for the first time ever.

This follows Norton’s previous request that was granted – the display of hemp, which was also a first.

“As individual states and the country as a whole are moving toward the legalization of marijuana, having a display with male and female marijuana plants would be a historic opportunity to highlight the impact of marijuana on American society and, especially, the American economy,” Norton said and also tweeted.

In the letter addressed to Dr. Susan K. Pell, executive director of United States Botanic Garden, Norton noted she worked with Pell’s predecessor on hemp and marijuana being displayed and was pleased that hemp made it.
“I am writing to request that the Botanic Garden also display marijuana for the first time,” Norton wrote.
“More and more states, as well as the federal government, are beginning to legalize various forms of cannabis. In recent years, the House of Representatives has passed several bills that would have descheduled cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act,” she said.
Norton added that legal cannabis sales garnered around 20% more in taxes than alcohol in 2021 and that weed sales are expected to hit $33.6 billion by the end of 2023 and a shopping $53.5 billion by 2027.
“I appreciate your consideration of this request. I request a response in writing by May 24, 2023,” the congresswoman concluded.

Photo: Benzinga edit with images by cytis from Pixabay and Keith Mellnick by Wikimedia Commons