Who’s Federal Reform Bill Will Pass First The Democrats Or The Republicans?
A group of Republicans out of Congress brought forth a piece of cannabis legislation early this week. This particular bill would aim to end cannabis prohibition and implement a tax on marijuana. This Republican bill is serving as another option to the pending Democratic bill. Which has recently passed the House and awaits its final outcome in the Senate.
The sponsor of this bill is titled the States Reform Act. will be done so by Rep. Nancy Mace. As well as several initial Republican cosponsors. This bill if enacted would successfully end cannabis prohibition in the U.S. In addition to making sure that legal MRB’s can still operate without issues by changing federal rules.
This particular bill is an updated draft version that represents an effort to connect a political divide. It does that by including specific equity provisions. For example things such as expungements for people with non-violent cannabis convictions. In addition to imposing an excise tax, proceeds from which would support community reinvestment. As well as law enforcement and Small Business Administration (SBA) activities.
“This bill supports veterans, law enforcement, farmers, businesses, those with serious illnesses, and it is good for criminal justice reform,” Mace said in a statement on Monday. “The States Reform Act takes special care to keep Americans and their children safe while ending federal interference with state cannabis laws.”
What’s Next For This Republican Cannabis Bill
“Washington needs to provide a framework which allows states to make their own decisions on cannabis moving forward,” the congresswoman said. “This bill does that.”
Along with Mace, the bill is cosponsored by Reps. Tom McClintock, Don Young, Brian Mast, and Peter Meijer. Rep. Ken Buck’s name was listed on an earlier version of the bill. But he appears to have removed himself before the introduction of this proposal
“We’re getting a lot of great feedback from Republicans and Democrats on this bill,” Mace said at a press conference. “My main goal is to get as much Republican support as I can initially, and we’re hearing great feedback from both chambers, both sides of the aisle on this piece of legislation.”
An online cannabis news outlet initially reported on an earlier draft version of the legislation in early November. This draft quickly became apparent that industry stakeholders see a chance in the Republican-led effort.
The basis for that answer mainly comes down to the fact that there’s skepticism. Which is that the Democratic-led legalization bills will be able to pass without GOP buy-in. Yet While Democrats retain the majority in both chambers, and also control the White House, the margins for passage are thin.
A Democratic-led bill to end prohibition and promote social equity did pass the House Judiciary Committee. The passing of this bill took place back in September. And Senate leadership is planning to file a separate bill following unveiling a draft version in July.
[Read More] Cannabis Health Benefits Are Acknowledged By The New FDA Commissioner Nominee
Pushing Foward On Federal Cannabis Reform
Weldon Angelos, an advocate who’s worked with Mace’s office on the legislation shared some insight. Angelos said the goal of this proposal is to offer a bipartisan conversation. Which would be about what legalization should look like. Also while there’s more he would like accomplished more so in social equity provisions. This is what advocates feel is a solid starting line.
“The whole idea behind the Cannabis Freedom Alliance wasn’t to have the Republicans steal this [issue] from the Democrats. Just so we’re clear, that’s not the reason behind this bill,” Angelos, who was pardoned by former President Donald Trump for a federal marijuana conviction, said. “The people behind the scenes, like my organization, just want to make this a reality. And we can’t get there without this step, which is this bill that’s been introduced by Congresswoman Nancy Mace.”
The new Mace legalization bill would eliminate marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act. And moving forward treating legal cannabis with the same attitude as alcohol. Furthermore with retroactive effects for people previously punished.
Prior federal cannabis convictions would need to be expunged within one year. People affiliated with cartels or who have been convicted of driving under the influence would not be eligible. Mace’s office estimates that under this bill about 2,600 people will be released from federal incarceration.
Justin Strekal, political director of NORML, said that if the congresswoman and her allies follow through, “then we will have truly shifted the debate from a partisan ‘Do we legalize’ framework to a bipartisan ‘We will legalize marijuana and erase the criminal records of those who have suffered under criminalization.’”
[Read More] Investing In Cannabis Stocks For The Long Hold? 2 Marijuana REITs For Your Long-Term Portfolio
Federal Cannabis Reform Finds Bipartisan Support
Justin Strekal, political director of NORML, said that if the congresswoman and her allies follow through, “then we will have truly shifted the debate from a partisan ‘Do we legalize’ framework to a bipartisan ‘We will legalize marijuana and erase the criminal records of those who have suffered under criminalization.’”
There would be a 3 percent federal excise tax on cannabis under the bill. That’s slightly under the 3.75 percent included in an initial draft of Mace’s bill. And is much lower than tax percentages in the Democrat-led marijuana bills.
The Treasury Department’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau would be renamed. It would then be known as the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Tax and Trade Bureau. Which would be the chief regulator for marijuana with respect to interstate commerce and international trade.
Final Thoughts On Democrats Vs Republicans
The agency would create a track and trace system for cannabis. To which federal officials would be authorized to issue packaging and labeling requirements. The Food and Drug Administration would be restricted in its regulative power. With the intention being that it would have no more control over cannabis than it does for alcohol. Yet only except when it comes to medical marijuana.
The FDA could prescribe serving quantities, certify designated state medical cannabis products. As well as approve and regulate pharmaceuticals derived from marijuana. But could not outlaw the use of cannabis or its derivates in non-drug applications, like in designated state medical cannabis products, dietary supplements, foods, beverages, non-drug topicals, or cosmetics. 
Enforcement authority would be transferred from the Drug Enforcement Administration to a newly renamed Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Cannabis, Firearms, and Explosives. Raw cannabis would be considered an agricultural commodity regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The plant would be treated as the “component crops of alcohol beverages” such as barley, hops, and grain, a summary from Mace’s office explains.
MAPH Enterprises, LLC | (305) 414-0128 | 1501 Venera Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33146 | new@marijuanastocks.com
