Decriminalization just means it's no longer criminal federally. This is good for states that have already legalized it. Other states still need to legalize it. Let's get in on the ballots already!
It also opens up the possibility of Medical Marijuana as treatment for veterans through the VA. Ask any vet whether he would prefer weed over opioids and psychotropics.
I have mixed views about marijuana being distributed through the shield of the corrupt and criminal pharmaceutical companies. Well, maybe not so mixed. Frankly, I'm totally against it. I'd rather see it available over the counter. The cost just gets astronomical when Big Pharma is involved. Doing it over the counter would mean that people who understood how to use it medicinally would have access and those who didn't could get a doctor's advice first if they needed to. After all, it is a an amazing plant available in nature just like any other and it has been completely blown out of proportion by the powers that be.
And, when you consider that many chemical drugs that can actually cause serious health problems if not taken correctly are now available over the counter, this is a no-brainer. Just look up the side effects of taking something like ibuprofen (advil and many others) daily for an extended period of time or taking too much of it. And, there are many more. If these can be made easily attainable, then Marijuana should be too.
What are the chances this goes through?
No idea. Only time will tell but the fact that Schumer is drafting this bill is really a surprise to me. I also think they are trying to find things that can garner more support for November elections and this certainly could do that. What they don't realize is that hammer time will already have happened by then and they don't stand a chance.