CANNABIS ◽NEWS

Biden’s Push Toward Legalization for Cannabis Is Big — For ALL of Us

Cannabis-friendly language from the Oval Office is giving Americans hope

Whether you’re smoking a joint or popping a CBD gummy, cannabis is as variable as it can get. Parts of cannabis get you high, while the large majority of parts don’t. There are over 113 different cannabinoids and only one of them has psychogenic effects, the THC.

The law doesn’t seem to have a very clear idea of which is which or what is what.

But Joe Biden is coming down hard on the unfair legislation that’s got all-things-cannabis wrapped up as a Schedule 1 drug.

This means for the folks like me who need cannabis support for medical reasons…or the folks like your Uncle Joe’s buddy who’s been locked up for a decade over an incident with a joint…there’s a whole lot here at stake.

Federal law currently classifies marijuana in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, the classification meant for the most dangerous substances. This is the same schedule as for heroin and LSD, and even higher than the classification of fentanyl and methamphetamine — the drugs that are driving our overdose epidemic. — Biden’s Statement from President Biden on Marijuana Reform

From bringing a wide variety of CBD, THC, and marijuana-related medical support to hundreds of thousands of Americans who need it, to releasing many unfairly incarcerated, America looks on as Joe Biden pushes back hard against the current legal language around marijuana and other cannabis derivatives.

As a cannabis writer, I am beyond thrilled to see these pushes. The current decriminalization of hemp derivatives, as mandated in the 2018 Farm Bill (signed into law by former president Donald Trump) simply isn’t enough.

Here’s what the Farm Bill did:

• Removed some of the ambiguity around marijuana vs. hemp, both of which are Cannabis sativa plants, just different varieties. This allows CBD makers and other companies, like those who make hemp building materials, clothing, rope, or soaps…to create products from cannabis as long as it’s hemp and not the higher-THC potency version of the same plant, which we call marijuana.
• Sets a maximum-allowable amount of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, that is allowed by dry weight of a finished CBD product. Equal or less than 0.3%. This allows the THC to be present enough to get medical and wellness benefits, but unless you are very sensitive to THC, there’s no high. (Tip: If you want the THC in your CBD product, look for products labeled full spectrum.)

States, of course, have the option to follow the federal mandate to the letter or create less strict standards for their state or outlaw CBD products, or certain types of them (like ones including the more controversial Delta 8 THC, for example), which creates a wide variety of rules and regulations across state lines.

Though, all must follow federal laws in terms of allowable THC.

Confusing, right?

While the Farm Bill did open up the CBD industry for exponential growth, providing gentle CBD care for many Americans just like me, it’s merely one step in the right direction.

Joe Biden wants to go further. And he’s not mincing his words about it either.

First, I am announcing a pardon of all prior Federal offenses of simple possession of marijuana. I have directed the Attorney General to develop an administrative process for the issuance of certificates of pardon to eligible individuals. There are thousands of people who have prior Federal convictions for marijuana possession, who may be denied employment, housing, or educational opportunities as a result. My action will help relieve the collateral consequences arising from these convictions. Second, I am urging all Governors to do the same with regard to state offenses. Just as no one should be in a Federal prison solely due to the possession of marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either. Third, I am asking the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General to initiate the administrative process to review expeditiously how marijuana is scheduled under federal law. Federal law currently classifies marijuana in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, the classification meant for the most dangerous substances. This is the same schedule as for heroin and LSD, and even higher than the classification of fentanyl and methamphetamine — the drugs that are driving our overdose epidemic. Finally, even as federal and state regulation of marijuana changes, important limitations on trafficking, marketing, and under-age sales should stay in place. Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs. — Biden’s Statement from President Biden on Marijuana Reform

Complete decriminalization of THC, meaning removing the Schedule I classification, means that marijuana and all types of CBD products would no longer be treated (legally) the same way as far more potent and dangerous substances.

Perhaps some organizations would follow suit and allow their members to use CBD products. Perhaps if you, say, work for a medical facility or have a federal job, or are serving in the military, then you could take CBD products for various health and wellness needs.

If you support marijuana legalization…

…decriminalization of ALL products from cannabis (because you do not believe cannabis or its derivatives are the same levels of public threat as LSD or fentanyl that’s currently killing thousands of Americans,) then write to your congressmen and women right now.

Tell them cannabis needs the chains taken off.

Americans need the freedom to choose whether or not cannabis derivatives can benefit their lives, and make their own decisions about these options.

Meet your author: Christina M. Ward is a lifelong beauty and wellness enthusiast with a professional writing career in the wellness, health, and clean beauty industries. Her work has been featured in Today’s Health Science, LA Weekly, and most recently, the Village Voice out of New York and OK! Magazine.