Reforming Federal Marijuana Regulations: Democrats Push for Change

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jan.31.2024
Reforming Federal Marijuana Regulations: Democrats Push for Change
Democratic senators in the US are pushing for the reform of federal marijuana regulations, aiming to ease restrictions.

According to an article by eltiempolatino on January 31, Democratic senators in the United States Senate are working on reforming President Joe Biden's federal marijuana regulations to ease related restrictions. Democratic senators have written a letter to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) earlier this week, urging a reassessment of the federal classification of marijuana, which originates from a proposal by the Department of Health and Human Services in August.

 

In a proposal, the Department of Health and Human Services has recommended that the Drug Enforcement Administration reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), sparking a review process. Now, a group of Democratic Senators led by Elizabeth Warren and John Fettman have put forward a bill to completely remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act, with the support of majority leader Chuck Schumer.

 

Once marijuana is no longer regulated, it will have far-reaching implications on the cannabis industry and consumers, especially those who rely on marijuana for medical purposes. Despite being classified as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD, since 1971, 40 states and Washington D.C. have already legalized its use.

 

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has confirmed its authority to reclassify drugs based on scientific and medical evaluations, and the White House is expected to release a reclassification notice on the one-year anniversary of the Department of Health and Human Services' recommendation. However, Democratic lawmakers are urging the government to swiftly remove marijuana from Schedule I, which would result in its complete lack of classification. This proposal has garnered support from Democratic Senators Cory Booker of New Jersey and Ron Wyden of Oregon, who have previously co-sponsored comprehensive marijuana reform legislation.

 

Currently, the bill to legalize marijuana is still seeking consensus between the two parties. In 2022, a nationwide proposal to legalize marijuana was passed in the House of Representatives, while the bill called the "SAFE Banking Act" aims to provide banking services for legal cannabis businesses in states and is awaiting a vote in the Senate.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Global Tobacco Control Policy Debate: Medical Experts Call for Science-Based Approach, Promoting Harm Reduction Over Total Bans
Global Tobacco Control Policy Debate: Medical Experts Call for Science-Based Approach, Promoting Harm Reduction Over Total Bans
Health professionals worldwide are urging a shift from abstinence-only tobacco policies toward evidence-based harm reduction. Despite bans, smoking remains prevalent in countries like India, while prohibition fuels black markets in Europe and misinformation among doctors in the U.S. Many argue that regulated alternatives could save lives where cessation fails.
Sep.09
Illegal Market Surges After Kazakhstan Bans E-Cigarettes; Telegram Becomes the Main Trading Channel
Illegal Market Surges After Kazakhstan Bans E-Cigarettes; Telegram Becomes the Main Trading Channel
Since Kazakhstan banned e-cigarette sales in June 2024, transactions have gone underground, shifting to Telegram and some e-commerce platforms and making enforcement harder; related research indicates the ban has not significantly reduced demand.
Oct.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI Japan to Launch Limited Edition IQOS ILUMA i "Galaxy Blue", Introduces New TEREA Clear Regular Flavo
PMI Japan to Launch Limited Edition IQOS ILUMA i "Galaxy Blue", Introduces New TEREA Clear Regular Flavo
PMI Japan unveils limited edition IQOS ILUMA i in Galaxy Blue, inspired by the universe, set to launch on October 29.
Oct.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Smoore International's subsidiary, Transcend Biopharma, has its ANDA accepted by the FDA, potentially granting it 180 days of market exclusivity
Smoore International's subsidiary, Transcend Biopharma, has its ANDA accepted by the FDA, potentially granting it 180 days of market exclusivity
Smoore International announced that the U.S. FDA has accepted the Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for its Breo® Ellipta® 100/25 generic drug, submitted by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Transpire Bio. Transpire Bio stated that if approved, it is expected to receive 180 days of market exclusivity. In the United States, Breo® Ellipta® is already approved for the maintenance treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Sep.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
EU Plans Revised Tobacco Tax Directive: First Unified Rates for Heated Tobacco, E-Liquids, and Nicotine Pouches
EU Plans Revised Tobacco Tax Directive: First Unified Rates for Heated Tobacco, E-Liquids, and Nicotine Pouches
The European Commission’s proposed revision to the Tobacco Tax Directive (TTD) would take effect from 2028, raising minimum excise levels, introducing—For the first time—coordinated tax rates for heated tobacco, e-liquids, and nicotine pouches, and bringing raw tobacco under the excise control system. The plan also creates a “TEDOR” mechanism to assess a uniform 15% of tobacco excise as an EU own resource, projected to add about €11 billion annually to the EU budget.
Sep.28
PMI Compares Smoke-Free Policies in Three Countries: Japan and New Zealand Lead Tobacco Control, While Thailand’s Ban Stalls Harm Reduction
PMI Compares Smoke-Free Policies in Three Countries: Japan and New Zealand Lead Tobacco Control, While Thailand’s Ban Stalls Harm Reduction
PMI Malaysia says Japan and New Zealand’s regulated smoke-free alternatives have hastened smoking declines, whereas Thailand’s post-2014 ban drives smokers to cigarettes or the black market—evidence, PMI argues, that pairing regulated alternatives with traditional controls could improve public health faster.
Oct.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai