Cannabis and Federal Legalization: Where Are We Headed?
Cannabis remains classified as a Schedule I drug by the federal government, placing it in the same category as heroin and cocaine. According to this classification, cannabis is considered to have “no accepted medical use.” However, 38 states have acknowledged its medical benefits by implementing medical marijuana programs, and 29 states now permit adult recreational use.
Interestingly, both Democratic and Republican states have embraced cannabis in some form. As the 2024 presidential election looms, the question remains: which candidate or party will finally push for federal cannabis rescheduling and legalization? Several candidates, including notable figures like Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, have voiced their support for federal cannabis legalization. This was a major talking point during the Biden-Harris campaign, but despite building momentum, federal legalization did not come to fruition during their term.
The conversation is far from over. Earlier this year, a federally appointed team of scientists presented evidence to the Senate showing cannabis’ medical efficacy, recommending that its classification be reconsidered. Their findings pointed to cannabis’ ability to alleviate anxiety, pain, insomnia, PTSD, and other ailments. Subsequently, twelve senators brought this data to Congress, urging the removal or rescheduling of cannabis from its current classification. While U.S. citizens await a response from Congress, many states continue to push for their own cannabis legislation—whether medical, recreational, or both.
Florida and Amendment 3
Here in Florida, a Republican stronghold, we have a well-established medical cannabis program. In the 2024 presidential election, voters will also face Amendment 3, which proposes the legalization of adult recreational cannabis use. If you’re reading this before the election and reside in Florida, I urge you to vote Yes on Amendment 3.
Trulieve, one of the largest Multi-State Operators (MSO) in the cannabis industry, has been a driving force behind this initiative. Led by CEO Kim Rivers, Trulieve has invested over $75 million to ensure that Amendment 3 made it onto the ballot. Trulieve’s cultivation practices are exemplary, offering high-quality cannabis products at tiered price points, starting from as low as $20 per eighth.
They also collaborate with leading national and local cannabis genetics providers, constantly striving to improve product quality by gathering customer feedback. While Trulieve’s commitment is commendable, I believe this dedication should be a given, especially since Amendment 3 does not include a provision for home cultivation. As much as I support legalization, the inability to grow cannabis at home, as allowed in many other legal recreational states, is disappointing. Nevertheless, legalization would eliminate arrests for cannabis possession and might even pave the way for the removal of past cannabis convictions.
It’s worth noting that Florida is home to many other excellent dispensaries, all dedicated to increasing product quality and ensuring an ample supply of medicine for the state’s 900,000+ medical cannabis patients. These dispensaries are gearing up for what could be a new era of cannabis in Florida, should Amendment 3 pass in November.
The Political Landscape
I’m still unsure which presidential candidate I’ll be voting for, but I know one thing for certain: I will be voting Yes on Amendment 3. Looking ahead, I hope that home cultivation rights will be granted, at least for medical patients. Regardless of party affiliation, cannabis reform is gaining ground across the U.S. As more states embrace its medicinal and recreational value, it’s only a matter of time before the federal government will need to follow suit.
For the next president, whoever that may be, I ask this: Please listen to the growing chorus of U.S. citizens and end cannabis prohibition. It’s time to legalize cannabis without restrictions and give this plant the recognition it deserves.