Long-awaited U.S. Senate cannabis legislation that would end the federal ban on marijuana while encouraging research and taking steps to help minority communities hardest hit by the war on drugs was introduced Thursday.
The Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act would leave it to the states to decide whether to legalize the drug.
Those state-legal businesses would be able to obtain checking accounts, credit cards and other financial services now denied to them.
Federal law would still prevent using or selling cannabis in states that have not legalized the drug.
The bill would limit the sale of cannabis to those 21 and older, and fund programs to prevent youth marijuana use.
Marijuana testing for federal workers would be limited to those employees in areas such as national security, law enforcement, and commercial transportation.
The House twice has passed legislation to end the federal ban on cannabis and help communities and individuals hardest hit by the war on drugs. »