Schumer and Senate Democrats unveil proposal to federally decriminalize marijuana

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and a group of other Senate Democrats introduced draft legislation on Wednesday that would decriminalize marijuana at the federal level by striking it from the federal controlled substances list.

It's significant for a Senate majority leader to back such a measure and the move highlights the evolving politics of cannabis policy. At a news conference, Schumer vowed to "use my clout as majority leader to make this a priority in the Senate." At the same time, the proposal remains a draft bill at this point and marks only an initial step in advancing any kind of legislation. Schumer said himself that "this is going to be a process" and indicated that the proposal will now be circulated among lawmakers with the hopes of garnering more support.

Schumer highlighted his push for the legislation Wednesday with Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Ron Wyden of Oregon.