In recent years, the United States has witnessed a significant shift in marijuana legislation, with more and more states legalizing the drug for recreational and medical use. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive update on the latest marijuana law in America, discussing its implications and the public's response.
Latest Marijuana Law Passed: On March 15, 2024, the House of Representatives passed the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, which aims to decriminalize marijuana at the federal level, expunge previous convictions from people's records, and establish procedures for taxing cannabis products. The bill is currently in the Senate, where it needs support from all 50 Democrats and at least 10 Republicans to proceed to a final vote.
States Where Marijuana is Legal: As of 2024, 54% of Americans live in a state where marijuana is legalized for recreational use, while many others have legalized it for medical use. The legalization of marijuana has been driven by factors such as the rising costs associated with arresting and incarcerating nonviolent drug offenders, growing scientific evidence of the therapeutic benefits of the plant, the shift in public attitude toward cannabis use, and the potential for marijuana to serve as a source of tax revenue.
Public Opinion on Marijuana Legalization: In an October 2022 Pew Research survey, 88% of U.S. adults said the drug should be legal. This widespread support for marijuana legalization reflects the changing attitudes and perceptions of the American public regarding the use and regulation of the drug.
Implications and Future Outlook: The passage of the MORE Act would have far-reaching implications for the American legal system, the economy, and society as a whole. By descheduling cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act and enacting criminal and social justice reforms, the MORE Act would end federal prohibition and regulate cannabis under various agencies, including the Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration, for growers, consumers, and medical marijuana patients.
The latest marijuana law passing in America represents a significant step towards ending and repairing the harms caused by cannabis prohibition, advancing health equity, fostering social and economic equity, and preventing future harm. As the country continues to grapple with the complexities of marijuana legalization, it is crucial to consider the diverse perspectives and potential impacts of this ongoing shift in policy.