U.S. Senate establishes a debate around the possible legalization of the consumption of cannabis

Por: Juan Vallejo Hoyos

The U.S. Senate met this morning to discuss the federal legalization of cannabis for both medicinal and recreational purposes, establishing new gateways that may implement the SAFER and CAOA Acts. The majority of both parties, republicans and democrats, agreed to these acts, whereas Senators Bill Cassidy, Mitch McConnell, and Lindsey Graham abstained from supporting the legalization.

During the session, senators argued about the consequences and the effectiveness of what legalization of cannabis would look like, and the committee revolved around discussions regarding the possible mental health, cardiovascular issues, and other health repercussions that may arise after the legalization of cannabis. Other senators argued the positive benefits that the legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational purposes would bring, recommending proper regulations by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and regulations by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Senator Lindsey Graham questioned the act’s ability to maintain the safety and health of citizens, especially the youth population of the United States.

Senator Mitch McConnell expressed his worries about the legalization, arguing that “Cannabis is an evil, and should not be consumed by any American citizen,” adopting the same opinions as both Senator Bill Cassidy and Senator Lindsey Graham, who mainly disapprove of the legalization and instead propose investing in more research on the matter to determine the true long-term effects that the legalization would impose.

Senator Lisa Murkowski ratified that the legalization must “Guarantee safeguards the rights of our citizens,” indicating her concern regarding the safety of American citizens in a situation where the legalization of cannabis were to happen. Murkowski and other senators have expressed their concern and plan to keep the safety of Americans on their right hand and as their top priority.

Therefore, Senator Chuck Schumer stated that the only way that the legalization of cannabis would be beneficial for the majority of both parties would be to keep regulations in place, “Cannabis legalization stands for smarter regulation,” an important note that the committee considered important to take into consideration in their lengthy discussion. Schumer also argued about the dangers of legalizing without investigating, a topic that the committee still struggles with as they undergo the next sessions of debate.

Following numerous interventions by multiple senators, Senator Lisa Murkowski and Senator Rand Paul presented several proposals, including the Safe Banking Act, which was later enhanced into the SAFER Act, addressing some issues present in the Safe Banking Act. The senators also presented other programs, but they were overwhelmed by the CAOA Act, which decriminalizes cannabis by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act and empowers states to create their own laws regarding cannabis. Ultimately, senators have decided to vote on the matter in an attempt to reach common ground, resulting in a win in favor of legalization and a new bill.