Topic: How To Invest

Q: Pat: Debate about making weed legal (federally) is once again on Washington’s agenda, so should we be looking to invest in this new industry? Is it the end of Prohibition all over again? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

A: U.S. Senator Cory Booker from New Jersey has proposed a far-reaching bill that would legalize marijuana at the federal level and use incentives to encourage states to legalize it as well. The Marijuana Justice Act bill would legalize marijuana at the federal level and withhold federal money for building jails and prisons, along with other funds, from states whose cannabis laws are shown to disproportionately incarcerate minorities. With legislation, federal convictions for marijuana use and possession would be expunged and prisoners serving time for a marijuana offense would be entitled to a new sentencing hearing. Those “aggrieved” by a disproportionate arrest or imprisonment rate would be able to sue, according to the bill. And a Community Reinvestment Fund would be established to “reinvest in communities most affected by the war on drugs.” It would pay for everything from re-entry programs to public libraries. Eight states and the District of Columbia have so far legalized marijuana. Although a majority of U.S. states have decriminalized marijuana…