Santa Barbara’s Congressmember Salud Carbajal Votes to Decriminalize Cannabis

Santa Barbara’s congressional representative Salud Carbajal voted in favor of a House bill to decriminalize cannabis as a matter of federal law. 

The bill passed by 228 to 164 on pretty much a party-line basis. What happens now in the Senate is a matter of speculation and conjecture, but the bill — the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act — is the first time either house has voted to decriminalize cannabis. In addition, the bill would expunge the criminal records of individuals convicted of marijuana possession-related offenses dating back to 1971. It would also levy a five percent federal excise tax on cannabis, the proceeds going to fund programs that would assist individuals adversely affected by the War on Drugs, job training, and mentoring programs.