By: Suzanna Thallman
Now that the Democrats have taken over the U.S. Senate, marijuana reform is underway with federal legalization expected in as little as 2 years.
Last year, the House of Representatives passed the MORE Act. If you are not familiar with the MORE Act, it’s a bill that takes cannabis off the list of dangerous drugs–which in short, means that it will not be treated equal to drugs such as heroin.
The MORE Act was a huge step for cannabis reform, and for the war on drugs alike. Sadly, the bill did not stand a chance against the senate. However, with a new administration in power, anything is possible right?
On February 2nd 2020, Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer, and other members announced their plans of forming a Senate ‘coalition’ specifically dedicated to legalizing cannabis at the federal level.
The coalition has plans to hone in on fortifying public health, strengthening justice reforms, and enforcing responsible taxes and regulations, all which aim at ending federal prohibition.
Shumer is also a sponsor of the Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act, a descheduling bill that funnels a percentage of industry tax revenues into small loans for women, and minority owned cannabis businesses.
Vice President Kamala Harris is also a prime sponsor of the MORE Act, and a known advocate for cannabis reform.
Aside from Vice President Harris being a notable advocate for cannabis reform, so is the rest of Biden’s team.
President Biden’s choices for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have a history of supporting and backing legalized state cannabis programs.
Dr. Rachel Levine is known as a pioneer in the cannabis industry. Levine successfully guided Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program in its early stages, resulting in its reputation as one of the fastest growing markets in the cannabis industry.
Like Pennsylvania, many U.S. States are continuing to legalize cannabis for either recreational or medical purposes further paving the way for federal legalization.
If not full legalization, there are definitely positive strides to be made in the cannabis industry.
Just two months into the new year, cannabis reform is already underway with new legislation introduced to congress.
One bill would move marijuana from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule 3 drug. While another, allows veterans access to medical cannabis without the fear of losing federal benefits.
President Biden has backed cannabis rescheduling, decriminalization, expunging on past records, and in favor of medical marijuana legalization and protecting state’s right to enact their own policies.
Although there is still time before full-blown legalization, we can burn one knowing that this is the farthest we’ve come with cannabis reform since the 1930’s!
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Suzanna Thallman is a writer who focuses on cannabis culture and lifestyle.