WASHINGTON, D.C.(420CanNews)— In a pivotal move that could reshape federal cannabis policies, House lawmakers have reintroduced the bipartisan bill to legalize marijuana known as the States Reform Act, igniting discussions over conflicting motivations, agendas, and the bill’s potential trajectory—currently, it’s already peppered with prohibitionist speedbumps attempting to derail Pres. Biden’s cannabis rescheduling efforts.
Nonetheless, legalization is riding on a new high.
Spearheaded by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) and co-sponsored by an array of legislators from both sides of the aisle, the bipartisan bill is a testament to the evolving perspectives on cannabis. The motivations behind this legislative push include recognizing the positive economic, medical, and criminal-justice effects of legalizing marijuana. Rep. Mace emphasized the bipartisan nature of the bill and its potential to garner support across party lines.
The bill includes the removal of cannabis from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act and the establishment of a federal permitting process for cannabis businesses. The proposed 3% federal cannabis excise tax structure, with a 10-year moratorium on increases, is aimed at maintaining a stable yet competitive market.
However, the path forward for the bipartisan bill to legalize marijuana seems to be long and riddled with barriers. Led by longtime prohibitionist Rep. Pete Session (R-Texas), opponents of the bill seek to block Pres. Biden’s efforts to reschedule cannabis. In his amendment, the Texas Republican hopes to bar federal funding for rescheduling marijuana altogether.
Ultimately, the evolving dynamics within Congress, including the Republican-led effort and contradictory amendments, pose challenges to the bill’s advancement. As the nation watches this legislative journey unfold, the fate of marijuana’s federal legal status remains uncertain as bipartisan support and prohibitionist resistance struggle to secure a foothold in the legislative process.
More news:
Congress Considers Opposing Amendments To Protect Legal Marijuana States And Block Biden From Rescheduling Cannabis
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/congress-considers-opposing-amendments-to-protect-legal-marijuana-states-and-block-biden-from-rescheduling-cannabis/
House Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Marijuana Legalization Bill
https://www.forbes.com/sites/ajherrington/2023/10/30/house-lawmakers-introduce-bipartisan-marijuana-legalization-bill/?sh=b3217914970f
Bipartisan Congressional Lawmakers File Marijuana Legalization Bill
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/bipartisan-congressional-lawmakers-file-marijuana-legalization-bill/#:~:text=The%20bill%20is%20primarily%20aimed,changed%20since%20the%20last%20version.
Republican-led federal marijuana legalization effort reappears in Congress
https://mjbizdaily.com/republican-led-federal-marijuana-legalization-effort-reappears-in-congress/
