United States: Congressional memo provides update on cannabis legalization

In a note, the four members of the U.S. Congressional Cannabis Caucus say they are «closer than ever» to legalize cannabis in the United States. This document, revealed by Marijuana Moment, is aimed at «players in the cannabis world». The authors, Earl Blumenauer and Barbara Lee are practicing the Coué method: by repeating that cannabis will be legalized, it will eventually be.

«Numerous bills to end prohibition at the federal level have been introduced in Congress. This bipartisan moment, between Democrats and Republicans, shows that Congress is preparing to move forward in 2022. We are closer than ever to aligning our cannabis laws with Americans» expectations," the members write.

They want to believe in a dynamic, which has led to many advances this year: « 2021 was an important year for cannabis reform. Five states - New York, New Jersey, New Mexico, Virginia, Connecticut - legalized recreational cannabis. Alabama became the 37th state to authorize medical cannabis.»

Priority for 2022: remove cannabis from the list of banned substances

The note also lists «five priorities» for 2022. The first: to remove cannabis from «controlled substances». This list was established by a law passed in 1970 by Republican President Richard Nixon. It made cannabis a prohibited substance, along with cocaine, ketamine (an anesthetic), fentanyl (an opiate) and the hallucinogen LSD.

To remove cannabis from the list, he Congress must pass MORE. It was passed in committee in the House of Representatives, but not in plenary session. This is essential for a bill to become law. «We're working hard to get this law passed soon».», the MPs promise in the memo.

Another priority: «Clear cannabis-related criminal records, and allocate more resources to communities most affected by the racist war on drugs.».

There is one major omission from this document: the legalization of recreational cannabis at federal level. The MORE Act proposes to decriminalize recreational cannabis, leaving it up to the states to set up a legal market if they so wish. For further legalization, we may have to look to the U.S. Senate, where another law is in the making.

In the end, the biggest obstacle may be President Joe Biden. He's never been a big fan of legalization. A White House spokeswoman said he «encouraged» decriminalization. In fact, he pledged to do so during the 2020 campaign.