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[Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1516] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA ______ HON. JARED POLIS of colorado in the house of representatives Monday, November 6, 2017 Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, five years ago, Colorado voters chose to amend the State Constitution to legalize the cultivation, sale, and personal use of marijuana for people 21 years of age or older. Today, Colorado is home to a growing marijuana economy which has created 23,000 jobs in the industry and in excess of $200 million in tax revenue which helps to fund our schools. States like Colorado, and now dozens of other states, have proven that allowing responsible adults to legally purchase marijuana, gives money to classrooms, not cartels; creates jobs, not addicts; and boosts our economy, not our prison population. Colorado ought to be an example for the nation, and it is past time we lift the federal prohibition on marijuana. That's why I'm proud to sponsor the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act, which allows each state to decide for itself whether to legalize marijuana. In addition, I will continue to attempt to restrict the Department of Justice from enforcing federal marijuana laws in states where it is legal. Earlier in 2017, I launched the bipartisan Cannabis Caucus with Rep. Earl Blumenauer, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, and Rep. Don Young. The caucus will serve as an important working group to discuss marijuana policy and its future, moving Congress into the 21st century on drug policy. I applaud the pioneers of the cannabis industry in Colorado and nationwide. The perseverance and hard work to create a new model of legalization is commendable. ____________________