Senate Democrats reintroduced a bill to legalize cannabis on the federal level, which would remove marijuana from the controlled substances list, regulate and tax the industry, expunge certain offenses, expand research, and help communities affected by the war on drugs. Led by Senators Chuck Schumer, Ron Wyden, and Cory Booker, the legislation has the support of 15 other Senate Democrats. The reintroduction came after the Justice Department recommended easing restrictions on cannabis, aligning with the Biden administration’s efforts to liberalize marijuana policy.
Despite high Democratic support, the bill faces an uphill battle in Congress as Republicans, who control the House, are largely against federal cannabis legalization. Kevin Sabet, an anti-legalization advocate, cautioned against commercializing the marijuana industry, likening it to Big Tobacco and urging Congress to consider the potential negative impacts of legalization. However, popular support for cannabis legalization is growing across the country, with a majority of Americans in favor of legalizing marijuana for medical or recreational use. Legalization has succeeded in state ballots, outperforming candidates from both parties.
Advocates of legalization see the issue as politically advantageous, especially in an election year. Representative Earl Blumenauer has called on the Biden administration to fully embrace legalization as a campaign platform to engage young voters. President Biden’s evolution on the issue is evident through his efforts to address racial disparities in the justice system by pardoning nonviolent drug offenders. While Mr. Trump appeared to support leaving legalization decisions to states, the future of cannabis policy under a possible Trump administration remains uncertain.
Congress is considering incremental bills to ease restrictions on marijuana, such as allowing legal cannabis businesses access to financial services, many of which have bipartisan support but are unlikely to progress in the current Congress due to Republican opposition. The push for federal cannabis legalization represents a shift towards addressing the failed war on drugs, supporting social justice measures, and responding to changing public opinion and scientific understanding of marijuana. Despite legislative challenges, the issue of cannabis reform continues to gain momentum and political significance, particularly in the lead-up to the 2022 elections.
