The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), is urging President Joe Biden “expedite” a active marijuana scheduling review by federal agencies and to reinstate guidance protecting state cannabis programmes from federal interference.
Members of the caucus’ 2023 “Executive Action Agenda” stated that the president should exercise his authority to ensure that the scheduling directive he issued late last year is followed up upon.
The Department of Justice (DOJ), and Department of Health and Human Servicess (HHS) lead that effort. Officials at both agencies say they will complete the review within a reasonable timeframe, but they have declined to give a specific time frame.
CPC, which represents more than 100 members in Congress, suggested that Biden direct HHS to review marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substances and publically document progress and the timeline for de-scheduling.
The caucus also stated that the administration should “expedite DOJ guidance reinstating protections from federal prosecution and interference with state- and tribe-legal cannabis programs.”
Merrick Garland, Attorney General, stated recently that DOJ is finalizing the marijuana policy guidance. This would replace an Obama-era memo, which was rescinded by the Trump administration. It awaits HHS’s recommendations and results on cannabis scheduling.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D.WA), chaired the caucus which included cannabis agenda items under a subsection titled “Advancing Equity and Justice.” This was perhaps a reflection on the increased urgency of executive-level action regarding the issue, with the House now controlled entirely by Republicans.
Jayapal stated in a press release that “Democrats made important progress in the 117th Congress” and said, “The work continues to lower living costs, hold corporations responsible, and keep our promises and our communities,” Jayapal wrote last week. “With a divided Congress President Biden must fully use his executive authority to deliver for working families.”
Marijuana Moment tracks more than 1000 cannabis, psychedelics, and drug policy bills in the state legislatures and Congress this yea. Patreon supporters who pledge at least $25 per month get access to our interactive maps and charts, as well as a hearing calendar, so they don’t miss any developments.
Get access to our marijuana bill tracker by becoming a Patreon supporter.
—
CPC launched its platform in 2020. It called for legalization of marijuana within six months and the expungement any prior records.
This hasn’t happened yet and the president hasn’t indicated that he’s supportive of federal legalization. The caucus’s most recent agenda offers a realistic framework for what administratively could be accomplished this year.
A dozen bipartisan lawmakers also wrote a letter last month to top Biden officials requesting transparency in the review.
Biden issued a mass pardon for federal cannabis possession offenders last year in addition to the scheduling directive. The clemency action has been repeatedly praised by Biden, most recently in a presidential proclamation declaring April “Second Chance month”.
Recently, the Justice Department issued applications to people who were granted pardon in order to obtain a formal certificate proving that they have been forgiven.
Arkansas Lawmakers Pass Bill to Protect Medical Marijuana Patients’ Gun Rights.
Photo by Mike Latimer.
The post Congressional Progressive Caucus Urges Biden to Expedite Marijuana Scheduling review and Push for Federal Guidance was first published on Marijuana Moment.
