The promise of major cannabis reform made when Democrats captured Congress and the White House may be coming to fruition.
Last week, Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) released a statement announcing their intention to pursue “comprehensive cannabis reform legislation,” a draft of which will be released “in the early part of this year.” Following the statement, the group met with representatives from the cannabis industry to discuss equitable reform.
Yet obstacles to federal legalization remain, including a thin legislative majority and a president with a lukewarm record on marijuana. With input from industry experts, let’s take a look at some of the reasons that legalization may happen, and some of the roadblocks that could stop it.
Why Legalization Could Happen
Besides the new Democratic majority in the Senate, a number of factors could contribute to a loosening of federal laws on marijuana.
It’s Supported by a Supermajority of Americans
When it comes to cannabis, the will of the people is clearer than ever. Polling data by Gallup indicates more than two-thirds of Americans now support the legalization of cannabis. What’s more, 36 U.S. states or territories have approved medical cannabis programs, while 11 have legalized it for adult-use.
Chuck Schumer Controls the Senate
For the industry, new Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, hailing from the liberal state of New York, is set to be a breath of fresh air from his predecessor. Even before Democrats took control of the Senate, Schumer was on record indicating that cannabis would be a priority for the new session of Congress. In 2018, he sponsored the Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act, to decriminalize cannabis federally.
His control over the upper chamber means advocates can worry far less about Senate leadership than they might have during the previous four years.
“At the very least, we’re going to very likely see hearings and committee votes in the Senate…they’re going to be talking about comprehensive reform,” said Morgan Fox, Media Relations Director at the National Cannabis Industry Association, during a phone call with High Times. “They’re going to be discussing comprehensive reform and hopefully voting on more incremental reform in the meantime.”
In an emailed statement, Amber Littlejohn, Executive Director of the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA), agreed.
“With Leader Schumer and Senators Booker and Wyden at the helm I am hopeful we will take significant steps toward creating an equitable federal cannabis framework this Congress.”
Kamala Harris is in the White House
While the head of the U.S. Executive Branch isn’t a huge fan of legalization, the second-in-command has been a vocal advocate. In the Senate, Kamala Harris was co-sponsor of the MORE Act of 2019, legislation which was considered some of the most equitable cannabis reform ever in its original form. She often touted the importance of changing these laws as she campaigned against her future running mate.
While Vice President Harris has toned down the volume on her cannabis advocacy since joining Biden’s ticket, many believe she will help push the former “drug warrior” to more modern views.
“He has a big focus on criminal justice reform…and he’s proven that he’s capable of…
Credit:Source link