The report on marijuana was published by the US Senate. This report details the situation of this plant in the USA. It then makes a series of proposals to the executive branch to improve the current situation and fully benefit from marijuana. With that said, in this article, we invite you to explore the main points of this report on marijuana in the USA
However, we wish to issue a warning at the outset. We alert our French readers to the content of this article, which focuses on the federal system of the United States of America – which should not be confused with French legislation or European Union law.
- Summary
- Initial Observation: Many Voters Support Marijuana Legalization
- Controversy Surrounding the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration)
Challenges Related to Possible Changes in Federal Law
Report’s Conclusions and Recommendations Initial Observation: Many Voters Support Marijuana Legalization Indeed, the first key takeaway from the
report on marijuana in the USA
is this initial observation. Its authors argue that a large portion of voters would support the legalization of marijuana in the USA. It is within this framework that the report states:
“Despite its growing popularity – 91% of Americans believe that cannabis should be legalized for medical or recreational purposes – cannabis remains illegal at the federal level.”
Further on, it adds:
“Nevertheless, the cannabis industry in the United States is booming.” Cultivation and sales have largely shifted from Mexican cartels to US-based companies operating in legal state markets (although a significant black market remains). Furthermore, beyond voter support, the report focuses on the fact that marijuana does present risks. Therefore, it urges the executive branch to address these risks. This could help limit potential harm. This sector is booming, employs many people, and generates significant revenue.
“Experts estimate that the legal cannabis market employs over 200,000 people and will generate up to $24 billion in profits by 2025, nearly $9 billion of which will come from medical cannabis sales.” It would indeed be a shame to lose all these positive aspects due to the risks highlighted by legislators.
Controversy Surrounding the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration)
Indeed, following the previous point, the second area of analysis in this report on marijuana in the USA that we can examine is the role of the DEA. In fact, there is considerable controversy surrounding the Drug Enforcement Administration. On the one hand, some criticize existing policies that inhibit cannabis research, directly targeting the DEA’s role in studies. In this regard, the members who authored the report argue that:
“It is imperative to increase the research base associated with cannabis, and that this research should be used to guide future policies so that appropriate regulations can be put in place to mitigate any negative effects or consequences for public health.”
On the other hand, they add that the DEA’s interpretation of the United Nations Single Convention and the federal Controlled Substances Act has resulted in only one entity being authorized to produce marijuana for research purposes. Therefore, they say, this position has:
“This has contributed to a lack of research, which hinders the public’s understanding of the health effects of products available for sale in state-regulated markets.” Challenges Related to a Possible Change in Federal Law
Let’s turn to the third point. In fact, legalization can only be achieved by taking into account a number of challenges, particularly public health and safety. Indeed, legislators, while acknowledging voter support and the potential benefits of marijuana legalization, emphasize the risks. Their primary focus in this regard is THC, the molecule responsible for the psychoactive effects of the cannabis plant.
From this perspective, it would be necessary to study the extent to which it (the molecule) can impair an individual’s ability to drive, as this is a crucial detail for public health and safety. Similarly, it would be necessary to examine how to keep marijuana out of the reach of minors and other vulnerable individuals, in order to protect them.
- These challenges, among many others, are highlighted in the
- report on the legalization of marijuana in the USA.
- The report’s conclusions and recommendations To conclude this overview of the
- report on the legalization of marijuana in the USA,
we invite you to discover, as a final section, the conclusions and recommendations of the legislators.
Obstacles to Research – Research on cannabis is currently insufficient, particularly regarding adolescent use, impaired driving, and THC concentrations. Federal requirements for conducting marijuana studies are excessively restrictive and discourage research. To address this, Congress should pass the Cannabidiol and Marijuana Research Expansion Act.
- THC Concentrations – THC levels in marijuana products have steadily increased over time, raising questions about the implications for public health. The National Institutes of Health should intensify its research on the short- and long-term impacts associated with high-potency cannabis and make a recommendation, in conjunction with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), on whether states should cap the potency of cannabis products that can be sold. “Marijuana has an impact on pregnant women and adolescents – The caucus stated that more research is specifically needed regarding cannabis use by pregnant women and youth. It cited an opinion from a former surgeon general warning against marijuana use in these populations and said that health officials at all levels should amplify this message.”
