Amazon Supports Federal Legalization Of Cannabis

Retail colossus Amazon has given a show of support for Rep. Nancy Mace’s proposal to end federal prohibition of marijuana, as reported by High Times. 

“We’re pleased to endorse @RepNancyMace’s States Reform Act. Like so many in the country, we believe it’s time to reform the nation’s cannabis policy, and Amazon is committed to helping lead the effort,” Amazon’s Public Policy Twitter Page announced last week.

Currently, only three states lack some form of legal marijuana. Rep. Mace has emphasized the need for a framework to help states make their own decisions on cannabis. 

Of the inconsistencies her “States Reform Act” will resolve, Mace has pointed out that South Carolina permits CBD, Florida allows medical marijuana, and several nearby states have full recreational use. 

“Every state is different. Cannabis reform at the federal level must take all of this into account. And it’s past time federal law codifies this reality,” Mace said in a statement back in November.

Mace added that her bill would enshrine protections for veterans who use cannabis to treat PTSD.

“This bill supports veterans, law enforcement, farmers, businesses, those with serious illnesses, and it is good for criminal justice reform,” said Mace.

Categorizing cannabis as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act has kept it illegal at the federal level and has made many states hesitant to pursue their cannabis laws. Federal prohibition has also caused banking and financing complications for cannabis companies. 

Recently Amazon, America’s second-largest employer with approximately 1 million US employees, said it would eliminate marijuana from its drug screening program. Potential employees can freely enjoy their marijuana supplies and still apply to work with Amazon. 

Only positions regulated by the federal Department of Transportation would still be screened for cannabis. 

Amazon also recently announced it would reinstate employment eligibility for applicants and former employees previously deferred or terminated due to marijuana screenings. 

Mace praised Amazon’s endorsement of her bill as a “common-sense decision” and noted that passage of the bill would increase the company’s hiring pool by approximately 10 percent. 

Many cannabis activist groups hope Amazon will utilize its deep pockets and experienced lobbying team to push for federal legalization.