Anti-Legalization Groups Ramp Up Efforts to Stop Cannabis Reform

The push for cannabis legalization has gained momentum in the United States over the last decade, especially following the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp. However, the rise of intoxicating hemp-derived products, regulatory challenges, and traditional opposition have fueled a counter-movement seeking to halt or reverse legalization efforts. Anti-legalization groups have intensified their strategies, using legal, political, and social tactics to reshape public opinion and influence policymakers.

Anti-Legalization Groups Gain Traction at the State Level

Despite strong public support for cannabis reform, anti-legalization groups have successfully blocked new legalization efforts in key states. In the November elections, three out of four states with legalization initiatives voted against them. Florida’s recreational cannabis measure failed to reach the required 60% approval, even though polls suggested strong voter support.

In North Dakota and South Dakota, voters rejected similar measures, while Nebraska stood as the only state approving medical cannabis legalization. The unexpected Florida outcome resulted from a shift in anti-legalization messaging, focusing on concerns about corporate greed rather than crime or substance abuse. This approach, influenced by disputes over cannabis policy in states like New York, is likely to shape future opposition campaigns.

Federal Rescheduling Pause Provides an Opportunity for Opposition

The Biden administration initiated a review of cannabis’s Schedule I classification under the Controlled Substances Act in 2022, leading to the DEA’s proposal to reclassify it as a Schedule III substance. However, the process has faced delays, including the cancellation of scheduled hearings due to procedural disputes.

Pro-reform advocates worry that anti-legalization groups may use this delay to stall rescheduling efforts indefinitely. This concern is amplified by recent nominations by former President Trump, including DEA nominee Terry Cole, known for his anti-legalization stance, and OMB head Russel Vought, who has previously opposed cannabis reforms. Their influence could slow down or halt federal cannabis policy changes.

Anti-Legalization Groups Seek to Influence Federal Cannabis Policy

Opposition groups have also ramped up lobbying efforts at the federal level. Organizations like Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) actively campaign against cannabis reforms, including the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act, which aims to provide cannabis businesses access to banking services.

SAM has also backed new legislation, such as the No Deductions for Marijuana Business Act, introduced by Republican senators. This bill seeks to uphold tax restrictions on cannabis businesses, regardless of changes in federal classification. While its passage remains uncertain, it reflects the growing influence of anti-legalization groups in federal policy discussions.

Despite significant public and political support for cannabis legalization, anti-legalization groups continue to gain momentum. Whether they succeed in halting progress remains to be seen, but their influence ensures that the debate over cannabis reform is far from over.