As a marijuana rescheduling proposal awaits President Donald Trump’s decision, some GOP members of Congress are urging him to move forward with the reform—with one lawmaker taking a jab at former President Joe Biden by joking that it’s possible the prior administration “must have not been able to find the autopen in time” to complete the cannabis reform process it initiated.
Biden had directed federal agencies that they would review marijuana’s status and recommend it be moved from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act to Schedule III. However, the process stalled before he left his office. Those who support the reform are now trying to convince Trump that this is an opportunity for him to surpass his predecessor.
In an opinion piece published by Newsmax on Wednesday, Rep. Randy Fine, R-FL, wrote: “When it came to marijuana policy it is time for the Trump Administration to do what the Biden administration could not, and would not.”
He stated that, “like so many other things from the Biden Administration, they failed to follow through.”
Fine commented that the administration of the ex-president had not found the automatic pen in time. Trump had criticized the use of an automated system to approve acts of clemency.
Fine wrote also that the rescheduling of marijuana would help “patients, veterans and consumer by removing it from its outdated class and moving ahead with its rescheduling.” According to Fine, “keeping marijuana as a Schedule I substance has horrible side effects which hurt those who are against any legalization,” primarily by limiting research opportunities.
The congressman replied, “That is crazy.” “I strongly oppose the legalization of recreational marijuana—but I just as strongly believe that medical research into its use is needed to understand how to make cannabis safer or to expand our understanding of both long-term and short-term effects of usage, especially for underage users! Schedule I prohibits this.”
Fine pointed out that a rescheduling of tax policies would allow state-licensed marijuana businesses to take federal tax deductions, as they are not allowed under Internal Revenue Service code 280E.
He added, “We accept their tax money but they are not allowed to claim legitimate deductions from taxes for business expenses.” “Regardless of how I feel personally about this issue, these states, where the voters have spoken on the matter, are running businesses and should treated the same as other businesses.”
The time for reclassification of marijuana has come and it is not worth waiting any longer. Reclassifying marijuana from class I to category III is not just smart, but also the right decision.
Not only Fine, but other GOP members of Congress are also working on rescheduling. Rep. Brian Mast, R-FL, co-chairman of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus also addressed the issue Tuesday in The Washington Times.
Mast said that federal legalization of marijuana is not possible through rescheduling. “It’s also not about promoting recreational use or more dispensaries,” Mast added.
He said, “It is about expanding access to medical research and care in a responsible way.” “Across America families, veterans and doctors are speaking out in support of reform. Moving marijuana to Schedule III will allow us to expand research, improve oversight, and create a better health care system for the people that depend on it.
Mast, a veteran of the military, praised legislation he co-sponsored with fellow Cannabis Caucus Member Rep. Dave Joyce, (R-OH), that would improve veterans’ access state medical marijuana programs, and remove a directive from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which prohibits its doctors to issue cannabis recommendations.
Because marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I, Veterans Affairs doctors can’t prescribe it to patients, even though its effectiveness has been proven,” wrote he. The best way to honour our veterans is by ensuring they receive the most efficient care. Schedule I marijuana creates barriers that deny veterans treatment they deserve and need after their sacrifice for the country.
Mast noted that, while many prohibitionists claim cannabis will be legalized at the state level, this would result in an increase of youth consumption, “regulated market have driven this reduction because they have limited unsafe, unmonitored use,” he said.
The rescheduling of cannabis will build on these successes, strengthening the oversight and protecting youth, ensuring that it is accessible safely, legally and responsibly.
“I support Mr. Trump in his promise to reschedule pot, something he confirmed during a recent news conference. He recognized its benefits for medicine and jobs as well as the potential it offers research and medical. The benefits of rescheduling marijuana would benefit Americans in and of themselves, but it will also safeguard them, by curtailing illicit markets and making access safer. This would allow law enforcement more time to perform their duties.
Trump had endorsed rescheduling during his campaign ahead of the start of his second tenure, but the position was less clear at the Mast-cited press conference. He said that at the time a decision about the matter would be taken in the “next couple of weeks”. While he lauded cannabis’ medical benefits, he was also concerned with the spread of marijuana. Since he first made these comments, the administration has not provided any updates.
The nominee to be the White House Drug Czar, Donald Trump, told Senators in a statement last week that his administration will continue to explore “all options,” as they consider the marijuana rescheduling plan. He also described cannabis reform as being a bipartisan issue.
Mike Latimer is the photographer.