The governor of Colorado is asking the same question as many advocates for marijuana reform: When will the federal government complete the review into cannabis scheduling, which President Joe Biden ordered last year?
Governor. Jared Polis (D), spoke about the historic vote in his state to legalize adult-use cannabis more than ten years ago. He stressed that much work remains to be done.
Polis stated, “Over the years we’ve laid that foundation” and have continued to hone the process to ensure our industry is one of the best in the world. We continue to do this work. We aren’t content to be the first, just because Colorado was. We must continue to push the boundaries and ensure that we are competitive in every market following our lead.”
Notably, the governor stated that federal legalization was key and that his administration had reached out to Secretary Xavier Becerra, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to find out the timeline for their review of federal marijuana scheduling.
“States–along with industry–have led the way in this area at every step. He said that everyone knows federal action is needed to make the industry more successful. “I have been vocal about my support of federal legalization during conversations with the White House, [Food and Drug Administration] and members Congress about the importance and urgency of this.”
Polis stated that they had also asked Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra to provide a timeline for rescheduling and that they expect to continue these conversations.
Many reform advocates are still thinking about this question. Biden has been very vocal about the scheduling review. However, agencies involved in that process didn’t offer much other than to say that it would be completed “expeditiously”.
Becerra’s Department is leading the scientific and medical review of cannabis’ effects. This will influence the Department of Justice’s final decision about whether to reschedule marijuana.
Polis stated in a video message to NCIA that “we know there’s more work to be done”, including regarding banking access for cannabis businesses, and equity in the sector.
He stated that he wanted to keep working to support entrepreneurs and cannabis businesses. The future of Colorado cannabis is bright. I look forward working with you to ensure that the system remains the best for innovation in the cannabis industry worldwide.
Although the governor had been scheduled to attend the NCIA event last month, it was postponed because of weather. Instead of sending the governor in person to attend the rescheduled meeting, he sent the prepared video for them to watch.
We are happy to announce that Gov. Jared Polis will give the keynote address at Wednesday’s Cannabis Caucus event. Register now for the opportunity to learn about the Governor’s priorities for cannabis policy in the new year.https://t.co/vjXaAaR4RT pic.twitter.com/DibUlKZa8G
National Cannabis Industry Association (@NCIAorg February 14, 2023
More than 12 bipartisan congressional legislators have sent a letter last week to top Biden administration officials asking for transparency and information about the current process.
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D.OR) circulated recently a draft letter among his colleagues. He sought signatories, before sending it to Becerra as well as U.S. Attorney General Merrick Gagarland.
Blumenauer and Lee received a reply to a December letter from the president requesting that the HHS secretary recognize the benefits of cannabis descheduling , and set forth a clear position.
The top federal health official did not address the main request of the lawmakers. He simply reiterated the department’s role in cannabis scheduling review and said that Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), makes the final call only after they have completed a “binding” scientific assessment.
Separately, the attorney General stated at a Senate hearing that DOJ was “still working to a marijuana policy” while waiting for the results of the scientific review by health agencies.
Biden has, for his part, repeatedly praised his cannabis pardons, and his scheduling directive in the months following October. This includes most recently at an event to mark the end of Black History Month.
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The governor of Colorado is also pushing the first-ever state marijuana vending machine. This machine can package, label, and dispense cannabis products to adult customers. Transactions are completed in less than 50 seconds.
Polis is an active supporter for the state’s marijuana business, issuing pardons for previous cannabis convictions and advocating federal reform to allow licensed marijuana companies to access basic financial services that are available on traditional markets.
He also joked about wanting Texas to keep prohibition so Colorado can enjoy the tax revenue benefits from having tourists buy cannabis.
The state also took steps to improve energy efficiency in the cannabis industry, and also ensure that social equity is prioritised as the industry continues to grow.
Polis issued an executive order last year to give broad professional licensing protections to workers who use cannabis in compliance with state laws. This order also prohibits state agencies from participating in investigations relating to legal cannabis that could lead to employment penalties.
D.C. After Congressional Review, Marijuana Expungements Act becomes Law
Photo by Mike Latimer.
The post Colorado Governor Seeks Update on Federal Marijuana Scheduling Review Review Timeline From Biden Administration originally appeared on Marijuana Moment.
