Marijuana is currently a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning that the federal government views it as having a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. However, many states have legalized marijuana for medicinal or recreational purposes.
So when will marijuana be federally legal? Tune in to find out!
Federal Legalization Bill 2022 Update
The US House of Representatives passed the MORE Act (Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act), which would decriminalize marijuana at the federal level on April 1, 2022. It will then be sent to the Senate, where all of the Democrats and 10 Republicans would need to back it in order for it to become law.
Currently, 27 states and the District of Columbia have decriminalized marijuana in small amounts. Marijuana is now closer to being decriminalized in the United States.
If this bill is passed, marijuana will be removed from the list of federally prohibited drugs, and criminal penalties for manufacturing, distributing, or possessing it would be eliminated.
A majority of Americans support the legalization of marijuana: According to an April 2021 poll from Pew Research, 91% of adults in the US believe marijuana should be legal, either medically, recreationally or both at the federal level.
However, the bill is expected to face numerous obstacles in the Senate.
What Are the Potential Benefits of Legalizing Marijuana on a Federal Level?
The potential benefits of legalizing marijuana on a federal level include:
- Increased tax revenue: According to a report from cannabis analytics company New Frontier, the federal legalization of marijuana could generate up to $105.6 billion in tax revenue by 2025.
- Job creation: The marijuana industry could create up to 1 million new jobs, according to a report from New Frontier.
- Reduced crime: Legalizing marijuana could reduce crime, as the illegal market for marijuana would be eliminated.
- Savings on law enforcement: According to a report from the American Civil Liberties Union, states that have legalized marijuana have saved billions of dollars on law enforcement costs.
What Are the Potential Drawbacks of Legalizing Marijuana on a Federal Level?
The potential drawbacks of legalizing marijuana on a federal level include:
- Increased drugged driving: According to a study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, states that have legalized recreational marijuana have seen an increase in fatal crashes involving drivers who tested positive for marijuana.
- Potential negative effects on the developing brain: Marijuana use can cause changes in the brain, including decreased IQ and problems with memory, learning, and attention in those under 25 years old.
- Increased risk of addiction: According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 30% of marijuana users may have some level of marijuana use disorder. Adults who begin using marijuana before the age of 18 are four to seven times more likely to have a marijuana use issue than those who start later.
When Will Marijuana Be Federally Legal FAQ
Will marijuana be federally legal in 2022?
It is possible that marijuana will be federally legal in 2022, as the US House of Representatives has passed the MORE Act (Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act), which would decriminalize marijuana at the federal level on April 1, 2022. However, it will need to pass through the Senate before it becomes law.
What are the benefits of legalizing marijuana on a federal level?
The potential benefits of legalizing marijuana on a federal level include increased tax revenue, job creation, reduced crime, and savings on law enforcement costs.
What are the drawbacks of legalizing marijuana on a federal level?
The potential drawbacks of legalizing marijuana on a federal level include increased drugged driving, potentially negative effects on the developing brain, and an increased risk of addiction.
Closing on When Will Marijuana Be Federally Legal
Although marijuana is closer to being decriminalized on a federal level, there are still many drawbacks that need to be considered before it is legalized. There is potential for increased tax revenue, job creation, and reduced crime rates; however, there is also the possibility of an increase in drugged driving and negative effects on the developing brain. It remains to be seen if marijuana will be federally legal by 2022.
