Contributor: Asia Mayfield
Western cannabis politics are still in upheaval. Massive strides have been made by pro-ganja advocates in recent years, but there’s still work to be done. Cannabis is classified as a Schedule 1 narcotic. That means the federal government considers the plant to be both, highly dangerous and medically useless. As an election year, 2020 will be pivotal. If Republicans retain the White House, the path toward full marijuana legalization remains murky.
Here’s what we know.
The Good
Many Republicans in Congress support pro-cannabis measures. A few support outright federal legalization, while the majority support loosening research restrictions. Last December, four Republicans in Congress urged their fellow legislators to schedule a hearing to discuss clearing the way for cannabis research projects.
These 2020 Republicans Have An Interesting View On Cannabis
“We urge you to hold a legislative hearing regarding federally-sanctioned research on cannabis as soon as possible, with a panel of federal witnesses,” they wrote in a Monday letter to the chairs of the Energy and Commerce Committee. “This hearing would be an opportunity for members to learn about…legislation that offers potential solutions to help improve the research landscape.”
While it’s not clear that their efforts will be successful, the fact that such a letter exists is a clear sign of progress. 2020 could see the rise of additional pro-cannabis actions at the federal level.
“Bipartisan support” sounds like “world peace” these days, words people toss around when they want to sound agreeable. However, congressmen and congresswomen, from both sides of the aisle, actively support pro-cannabis legislation. The Republicans’ marijuana plan has shifted dramatically. We’ve come a long way since the Reefer Madness days.
The Bad
Unfortunately, there are still detractors and naysayers in the party. Republicans representing constituents in Congress, may have softened their stance on cannabis, but many state-level officials are still pushing for prohibition.
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said last year: “Right now, it’s a crime. I’m just simply not willing to look the other way.” His policies reflect that sentiment. He’s even expressed disapproval of medical cannabis programs.
Holcomb seems enlightened on the subject compared to Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts.
He wrote a paper detailing how cannabis is a gateway drug that has horrific consequences for users. Recently, he doubled down on his harsh opinion, writing: “As Governor, I have a duty to promote public safety. I want Nebraskans to be informed of the dangers of marijuana and to know where I stand on the issue. I firmly oppose legislative legalization and will veto any legislation that attempts to make marijuana use lawful in the Cornhusker State.”
South Dakota’s Gov. Kristi Noem even opposed 2018’s Farm Bill legalizing hemp. “There is no question in my mind that normalizing hemp, like legalizing medical marijuana, is part of a larger strategy to undermine enforcement of the drug laws and make legalized marijuana inevitable,” Noem complained last year. Medical and recreational cannabis measures are on South Dakota’s ballot this year, but the governor opposes both.
Gubernatorial races will be held this year. If residents in these states disagree with their leader’s anti-cannabis stance, they’ll have a chance to make themselves heard.
The Present
Republican President Donald Trump is currently in office. He’s the presumed party candidate for November’s election. If President Trump is reelected, it’s not an outright victory for pro-cannabis advocates, but the situation holds promise.
Trump supports the current situation. Cannabis is illegal federally, but state programs are allowed to thrive. When the President appointed known cannabis-hater, Jeff Sessions, to his cabinet as Attorney General, many were afraid that the move signaled a crackdown of state laws. However, those apprehensions never materialized. 33 states now have some form of legal cannabis.
President Trump hasn’t indicated any plans for a federal change on the matter whatsoever.
“I think what the president is looking at is looking at this from a standpoint of a parent of a young person to make sure that we keep our kids away from drugs… They need to be kept illegal,” Marc Lotter, director of strategic communications for Trump 2020, said earlier this year.
“That is the federal policy… I think the president has been pretty clear on his views on marijuana at the federal level… I know many states have taken a different path.”
The words aren’t encouraging, but if the president continues the status quo, users who live in states with legal cannabis shouldn’t have any problems.
