Rep. Earl Blumenauer Directs Attention Towards Cannabis Industry in Recent Memo
Rep. Blumeanuer seeks a rational and just path for cannabis reform
Rep. Earl Blumenauer’s (D-OR) latest memo reflects on the past five decades of cannabis reform in the United States while highlighting the significant advancements it has seen. In 2023, three states (Delaware, Minnesota and Ohio) legalized adult-use marijuana, bringing the total of legalized states to 24, placing more than half of the United States population in a state with legalized adult-use marijuana. Blumenauer delves into the ongoing efforts to establish a path forward in cannabis reform, recognizing the importance of researching to fully comprehend the effects of cannabis use on both physical and mental health.
At the federal level, Blumenauer urges the Biden Administration to continue to take steps towards reclassifying cannabis as a Schedule III substance. This move would acknowledge the potential medical benefits of cannabis and open up avenues for further research and development. Additionally, members of Congress are actively advocating for policy initiatives to end the federal cannabis prohibition and address the discrepancies between state and federal laws that have caused harm.
The memo sheds light on several bills and letters that have been proposed to achieve the objective of cannabis reform. These include the MORE Act, which seeks to decriminalize cannabis at the federal level and expunge prior convictions related to marijuana offenses. The SAFE Banking Act is another significant proposal that aims to provide legal cannabis businesses access to banking services, addressing the current financial challenges they face due to federal prohibition.
Overall, the advancements made in cannabis reform within the United States over the past five decades are evident. With more states legalizing adult-use marijuana and ongoing efforts at the federal level to address the discrepancies between state and federal laws, the path toward a more logical and just approach to cannabis is being paved.
Read Blumenauer’s full memo below:
