With Republicans taking control of the U.S. Senate, the future of cannabis reform faces an uphill battle under potential new GOP majority leaders.
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The three frontrunners for the position—Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Rick Scott (R-FL), and John Thune (R-SD)—have each expressed strong reservations or outright opposition to cannabis legalization, signaling challenges for marijuana reform advocates.
Each candidate has a record of opposing policy shifts on cannabis. Cornyn has questioned cannabis's therapeutic potential, opposed federal rescheduling proposals, and raised concerns about the industry’s financial risks and impact on public health. Scott, who views marijuana as a “gateway drug” and has opposed recent legalization efforts in Florida, is also skeptical of loosening cannabis regulations. Thune has a longstanding record of opposing marijuana banking reform and considers legalization a low priority, often framing it as inconsistent with Republican legislative goals.
Despite President-elect Trump’s past comments favoring cannabis reforms like rescheduling and banking reform, his continued support is uncertain, and the likely majority leaders’ entrenched positions suggest they won’t prioritize or actively push these issues.
Cannabis reform advocates hope Trump’s past endorsements may influence the party, but the divided stances of key Senate leaders indicate it would require a concerted effort from the president and industry voices to shift the GOP caucus on this issue.
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