It’s time for the federal government to unleash marijuana laws in the United States.

That was the overall message U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand sent to members of the National Cannabis Industry Association earlier this week in New York City.

In a keynote speech addressing the subject of conflicting state and federal policies governing medicinal marijuana, the Democratic lawmaker told the group that her mission was to pass a nationwide reform that would essentially legalize medical marijuana across the nation. She said the CARERS Act—which was introduced to Congress in March but has yet to receive enough Republican support to get a hearing—could lay the groundwork for crucial changes in the way the U.S. government controls marijuana.

Gillibrand pointed out that despite nearly half the states having legalized marijuana for medicinal use, the illegality of the substance at the federal level has prevented any of these programs from reaching their potential.

Read more: http://www.hightimes.com/read/ny-senator-gillibrand-challenges-cannabis-industry-support-federal-reform