Efforts to legalize cannabis have largely been the work of Democrats, with Republicans usually leading the efforts to prevent it.
Introduced by Rep.
It proposes descheduling cannabis from the list of banned substances and regulating the legal use of cannabis products across the nation, and is co-sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sens.
It ensures a nationwide minimum adult-use age of 21, prevents advertising to young Americans and provides set-aside funds for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to help prevent youth dependency.
Some believe that it should only be treated as a pharmaceutical regulated by the Federal Drug Administration under the strictest standards, while others see potential in industrial and adult uses of cannabis products in addition to its medical value.
Medical cannabis companies will be allowed to have their existing products grandfathered, which avoids punishing first-movers in the industry while leaving room for researchers to develop more sophisticated medical products.
Many critics of the cannabis industry and progressive lawmakers have raised questions about the industry’s economic growth, and the fairness of large cannabis companies and their investors enjoying profits while Americans remain in prison for growing and consuming cannabis.
The bill offers nonviolent cannabis offenders second chances in society.
Currently, the Veterans Affairs Department is not allowed to recommend cannabis to patients suffering from chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder and insomnia, among other conditions.
Like Florida oranges or Vermont maple syrup, California cannabis promises to become a luxury, exported around the world.
This sets the stage for a robust, bicameral and bipartisan discussion on how to best move toward true comprehensive cannabis reform.
Certainly, there will be spirited debate about numerous provisions in the bill, including tax rates, the proper role for the FDA in this emerging industry and how to work to end the illicit market.