Senate Democrats reintroduced broad legislation on Wednesday to legalize cannabis on the federal level, a major policy shift with wide public support, but it is unlikely to be enacted this year ahead of November’s elections and in a divided government.
The Democratic Wish List
The bill, which amounts to a Democratic wish list for federal cannabis policy, would end the federal prohibition on marijuana by removing it from a controlled substances list. The government currently classifies the drug as among the most dangerous and addictive substances.
The Framework of Change
The legislation would create a new framework regulating cannabis and taxing the burgeoning cannabis industry, expunge certain federal marijuana-related offenses from criminal records, expand research into marijuana’s health impacts and devote federal money to helping communities and individuals affected by the war on drugs.
Democratic Leadership
The measure, led by Senators Chuck Schumer of New York, Ron Wyden of Oregon, and Cory Booker of New Jersey, reflects a growing consensus within the Democratic Party on the need for federal cannabis reform.
Republican Opposition
Despite support from top Democrats, the legislation is highly unlikely to move in Congress during this election year. Republicans, many of whom have opposed federal cannabis legalization, control the House, and none have signed on to the bill.
Warnings and Criticisms
Kevin Sabet, president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, warned about the dangers of legalization, arguing that such a bill would “commercialize” the marijuana industry and create “Big Tobacco 2.0.”
Political Landscape
Legalization, in some form, is broadly popular across the country, with 88 percent of Americans saying marijuana should be legal for medical or recreational use, according to a January survey by the Pew Research Center.
Future Prospects
Congress is considering more incremental bills that would ease restrictions on marijuana, but most are not expected to move during this Congress, given Republican opposition.
