Cannabis Reform Advocates Urge Federal Action from Incoming Administration
Two prominent marijuana reform organizations, the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) and NORML, have issued a comprehensive memo to President-elect Donald Trump, outlining a series of recommended steps to modernize federal cannabis policies.
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The proposals aim to end federal prohibition, protect consumer rights, expand access to banking for cannabis businesses, and provide clemency for individuals affected by cannabis criminalization.
Key Recommendations to the Trump Administration
1. End Federal Cannabis Prohibition
The memo’s central plea is for the federal government to remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act, empowering states to decide their cannabis policies without federal interference. Trump has previously expressed support for such a policy and endorsed cannabis banking reforms.
Proposed Legislation: The memo cites the STATES Act 2.0, introduced by Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH), as a starting point. The bill would:
End federal prohibition in states with legal cannabis markets.
Legalize interstate cannabis commerce.
Normalize tax policies for cannabis businesses.
Introduce a federal regulatory and tax framework
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2. Protect Gun Rights and Federal Employment for Cannabis Consumers
Advocates are calling for changes to policies that:
Bar cannabis users from purchasing or possessing firearms.
Disqualify individuals with cannabis use histories from federal jobs.
3. Expand Clemency and Housing Access
Clemency: The memo urges Trump to pardon individuals with federal marijuana-related convictions, similar to recent calls for expanded action from President Joe Biden.
Housing: Federal housing policies should no longer exclude cannabis consumers.
4. Support State-Level Cannabis Autonomy
The groups urge the administration to formalize a policy of non-interference in state cannabis markets and allow Washington, D.C., to implement adult-use cannabis sales.
5. Promote Research and Product Safety
They call for removing barriers to cannabis research, enabling lab testing and safety regulations comparable to those for alcohol and tobacco.
Context and Political Implications
Trump’s Cannabis Position
During his first term and subsequent campaign, Trump signaled openness to cannabis reform, including endorsing a Florida adult-use measure. His administration's actions, however, often sent mixed signals, with federal agencies continuing to enforce prohibitionist policies.
Biden’s Recent Actions
As President Joe Biden’s term concludes, he faces mounting pressure to expand clemency for marijuana-related offenses and deprioritize federal cannabis prosecutions. Advocates, including prominent Democrats like Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), have pushed for comprehensive federal reform.
A Pivotal Moment for Cannabis Policy
Federal marijuana policy remains at a crossroads. Public support for cannabis legalization is at an all-time high, but federal laws still lag behind state-level reforms. Advocates view the incoming administration as a potential catalyst for change, whether through legislative action, executive orders, or policy shifts.
The memo from MPP and NORML highlights the broader stakes of federal inaction, emphasizing the need for equity, safety, and the restoration of individual liberties. How the Trump administration responds could shape the future of cannabis policy nationwide.
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