Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., signed a bong during an interview where he revealed his support for forthcoming legislation to decriminalize marijuana on the federal level.
The Democrat told Vice News he’s seen “too many people’s lives ruined” by the criminalization of marijuana, which is why he’s supporting a six-point plan that would see marijuana no longer considered a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, where it sits alongside drugs like heroin and LSD.
“Ultimately, it’s the right thing to do. Freedom. If smoking marijuana doesn’t hurt anybody else, why shouldn’t we allow people to do it and not make it criminal?” Schumer explained.
According to the Vice report, Schumer expects the bill to be introduced next week.
Schumer denied having ever tried using marijuana himself, citing his age as one reason why he won’t do it, but eagerly signed the bong that Vice passed him as a gimmick in celebration of “420,” an April 20 holiday celebrated by marijuana enthusiasts.
Why is @SenSchumer signing a bong for @Shawna? Find out on @vicenews tonight at 7:30. pic.twitter.com/PKslwuapfl
— Matt House (@mattwhouse) April 19, 2018
Schumer said he believes full legalization should be decided on the state level and threw his support behind legalizing marijuana in his home state of New York.
Some states have already legalized recreational marijuana use, despite the federal ban, including Colorado, Washington, and California.
