High Time For Action: Congressional Progressive Caucus Pushes Biden On Marijuana Policy

The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) is urging President Joe Biden to speed up marijuana scheduling review and reinstate state cannabis program protections, reported Marijuana Moment.

The caucus calls for reinstating guidance that safeguards state cannabis programs from federal interference.

Marijuana Scheduling Review & State Protections

The CPC's 2023 “Executive Action Agenda,” also calls on Biden to use his authority to push for the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to expedite their active marijuana scheduling review.

While officials from both agencies have committed to completing the review in a timely manner, the CPC is urging the President to take action to ensure a prompt resolution.

Biden should direct these agencies to “expedite the review of marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance and publicly document the progress and planned timeline for rescheduling or de-scheduling,” and also should work to “expedite DOJ guidance reinstating protections against federal prosecution and interference in the state- and tribal-legal cannabis programs,” the CPC said.

A Fairer Future

Led by Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), the Caucus has included cannabis policy items in its agenda under the category of "Advancing Equity and Justice."

While the previous year's agenda under the same category did not mention marijuana policy, the inclusion this year reflects the increased urgency for executive-level action on the issue, especially with the Republican-controlled House, noted the Congresswoman. She emphasized the need for President Biden to fully utilize his executive authority to deliver for working families, given the divided Congress.

According to an official release, “The agenda is designed to provide working families relief from the cost of living crisis, take on corporate misconduct, make progress on the fight for gender and racial justice, and continue to take bold action to address the climate crisis.”

Additionally, a letter signed by sixteen lawmakers, from both political parties, was recently sent to the Biden administration requesting that the marijuana scheduling review be made public.

Cannabis scheduling has become a topic of great interest in addition to several other issues, which will be discussed at the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Miami (April 11-12). Esteemed personalities, such as top CEOs, investors, leaders, advocates, and politicians, will share their perspectives, ideas, and experiences during the event.

Image By Benzinga