Alabama should legalize recreational marijuana, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin tells Congress: ‘Too high a toll’Posted by On


Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin testified before a Congressional subcommittee on Tuesday morning on the issue of cannabis legalization and touted his 23,000 pardons for marijuana crimes.

“I’ve taken action on this issue by using my pardon power to pardon over 23,000 individuals charged with possession of cannabis in the city of Birmingham,” Woodfin said. “I’ve also encouraged our state government to take action moving forward with cannabis, in decriminalization and the expungement of past convictions.”

Alabama became the 37th state to approve medical marijuana when it adopted a law last year.

U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin, chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, ranking member of the subcommittee, held the hearing to examine the benefits of cannabis decriminalization at the federal level, including addressing racial disparities in the criminal justice system, improving treatment options for veterans, and allowing marijuana companies to access traditional banking services.

“Prohibition of cannabis has taken far too high a toll on Black and brown community,” Woodfin told the committee.

Woodfin called for Congress to pass legislation to expunge criminal records for marijuana possession and expand the ability to research cannabis. He specifically asked that historically Black colleges and universities be allowed to do research on cannabis.

“I’m committed to Alabama’s effort to move forward with a medical cannabis…

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