Pot Gets Another Shot at Federal Legalization

A recent Congressional Bill sparks bi-partisan support for federal legalization

Marijuana, cannabis, weed, ganja, grass, pot. Much like its namesake, its legal use is all over the map. According to the “National Conference of State Legislatures,” 36 states and four territories allow for medical marijuana use, while 18 states, two territories and the District of Columbia regulate cannabis for recreational use. There is hope that a federal legalization bill introduced in early November 2021 could streamline the state-by-state initiatives.

The action is led by Republican Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina. The bill aims to decriminalize cannabis on a federal level and regulate its use much like alcohol. The legislation proposes lower taxes and more state control of the substance, granting the FDA less control than previous initiatives. This approach fosters a better potential for smaller entrepreneurs to flourish in the bud biz.

And this unique slant on the federal legalization level is gaining bipartisan traction in the House, as well as the country. A recent Gallup poll shows that 68% of Americans support legalizing weed, regardless of party affiliation; 83% of Democrats, 71% of Independents and 50% of Republicans are in favor of ending its prohibition.

An elderly woman uses medical marijuana to relieve pain

This shared desire may be due in part to its widespread use and acceptance by chronically or terminally ill patients. According to data from the “Medical Marijuana Policy Project”, more than 5.4 million state-legal patients use medical cannabis in the United States.

It’s unclear whether President Biden would sign a federal legalization bill. Biden stated his support for marijuana decriminalization in a November 2019 Democratic primary debate. But “The Hill” reports that Biden has not responded to a recent push by Senator Elizabeth Warren (Mass.) and other Democratic senators to issue a blanket pardon for all non-violent federal cannabis offenses.

Cannabis edibles are valued at approximately 3.6 billion U.S. dollars in 2021

If you support federal legalization and decriminalization for marijuana , you can align yourself in good company with hopeful clout. “The Cannabis Freedom Alliance” was launched in early 2021 with a mission “to end the prohibition and criminalization of cannabis in the United States in a manner consistent with helping all Americans achieve their full potential and limiting the number of barriers that inhibit innovation and entrepreneurship in a free and open market.”  The alliance boasts both socially and financially influential members and organizations, including billionaire and philanthropist Charles Koch, infamous rapper Snoop Dog, and several mainstream marijuana advocacy groups. Its goal is to advance the federal legalization process to achieve descheduling, criminal justice reform, entrepreneurship and competitive and reasonable taxes.

There is also a social media campaign for federal cannabis legalization. “Cannabis in Common” was initiated by a coalition of marijuana advocates and celebrities like Seth Rogen and Sarah Silverman. YouTube videos encourage voters to reach out to Congress members and demand action on federal cannabis legalization.