The federal marijuana reform is poised for a “productive” year. Lawmakers are positioned to leverage massive bipartisan investments from 2023. They will also push the Biden administration on this issue in advance of the election.
This is according to the most recent marijuana memo of Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-OR. Blumenauer was a founding member of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus and also marks the 5-0-year-anniversary of his legislative marijuana advocacy.
The memo outlines various achievements of the first half the 118th Congress. This includes multiple bipartisan cannabis letters and bills, progress in the administrative review on marijuana scheduling, and much more. The memo also includes an overview of the legislative priorities for 2024 and a call to action for President Joe Biden, who is encouraged to push for cannabis reforms in the coming year.
Blumenauer, who will retire at the end this Congress, stated that “this was a year to remember, and cannabis reform was no exception.” “Despite the challenges that Congress faces, we can celebrate significant progress as we look forward.”
As examples of accomplishments in 2023, he cited the Senate Banking Committee passing a bipartisan marijuana bank bill; the adoption of amendments made to appropriations bills to encourage veterans to access medical cannabis; and the approval by a House committee of a measure to prevent security clearances being denied based on previous marijuana use.
The memo states: “Throughout the past year, I and my Congressional Cannabis Caucus colleagues brought together a wide coalition of members representing diverse communities across the country. We all agreed that it was time for Congress adopt a rational federal cannabis policy.”
“Cannabis has a positive impact on society.” It says that as the election season approaches and the Biden/Harris administration completes its formal review of the marijuana scheduling, President Biden must remember that voters have not penalized anyone for their support of cannabis reform. “President Biden owes the victory he achieved in Arizona to young voters who voted for marijuana legalization.”
The document notes that Ohio voters approved a legalization measure at the ballot on November 20, 2023. It also says Florida “is set to legalize adult use marijuana next,” based on the outcome a state Supreme Court case to determine whether it will be on this year’s ballot.
Blumenauer stated that despite the dysfunction of Congress, significant cannabis reforms can be achieved by 2024. It is a matter of common sense that can unite people rather than divide.
The memo concludes: “In my last year as a member of Congress, I will be able to take bold actions in collaboration with the talented 119th Congress Cannabis Caucus co-chairs in order to put an end to the failed drug war once and for all.”
The congressman said that there are several possible cannabis policy developments to be on the lookout for at both the state and federal levels in the coming year. This includes the completion of the review of marijuana scheduling.
The Drug Enforcement Administration is completing its review after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ recommendation that cannabis be moved to Schedule III of Controlled Substances Act.
Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer (D) has recommitted himself to giving floor consideration for the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation Banking Act (SAFER) priority in the second half of this 118th Congress.
Many advocates, including those in the White House, have urged Biden to publicly support the end of federal prohibition on marijuana. They argue that, while his pardons 2022 and 2023 for simple cannabis possession are positive steps they don’t go far enough.
Below is the text of Blumenauer’s memo on cannabis.
More States Set To Legalize Marijuana And Psychedelics In 2024 As Federal Cannabis Scheduling Review Concludes
The post Congressman’s Marijuana memo Predicts ‘Productive’ 2024 and Pushes Biden to Embrace Reform Ahead Of Election first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
