Exploring Cannabis Legislation for Your Startup %sep

As we have entered the year 2023, cannabis restrictions are on the chopping block now more than ever before. Nearly half of all US states have legalized the use of recreational marijuana, and future cannabis legislation is in the works. In fact, there are only two states, Idaho and Nebraska, that do not approve of CBD or marijuana use at all. Medical marijuana is currently the most commonly accepted form of this substance, as nearly 40 states approve of its use in this manner. The nation as a whole is warming up to cannabis use in every way, as 59% support both its medical and recreational use. Let’s explore cannabis legislation below.

The Current State of Cannabis Legislation

Nearly 45% of Americans live in states with access to legal recreational marijuana. This shows that this substance has become a part of the lives of many Americans, making it a less taboo subject and furthering its acceptance into society. CBD use by state is more cut and dry, as it is at least conditionally legal in all 50 states. However, marijuana use is more complex, especially on a state level. The states are relatively evenly divided on the basis of recreational legality, medical legality, no legality excluding CBD, and no legality at all. Hemp-based CBD is currently legal at the federal level, but this has no impact and not much sway on the decisions and legislations made by each state. 

Experts and leaders in lawmaking largely believe that change is inevitable, especially on a state and local level. Paul Armentano, the Deputy Director of NORML, has stated that “[legalization] victories have almost exclusively all been at the state and local level” and that he “expect[s] that trend to continue..” Board member of BOWL PAC, Tyler McFadden, also shares similar feelings of hope and a brighter future, stating “[legalization] might not be tomorrow, it might not even be next year, but as long as we’re doing something about it right now, we’ll reach it faster than we would if we stand here twiddling our thumbs, waiting for something to happen without doing anything about it.” These experts on the topic share similar beliefs in the hope of marijuana legalization and speak positively about the trajectory of its legislation. 

Even the highest up in our government, President Joe Biden, has weighed in, claiming that “sending people to prison for possessing marijuana has upended too many lives and incarcerated people for conduct that many states no longer prohibit.” These opinions are in line with a large percentage of civilians, making it clear why legislation surrounding marijuana and CBD possession and use is constantly in flux.

States that May be Changing Soon

There are plenty of legislative changes to keep an eye on, especially in states like Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and others that currently still prohibit recreational marijuana. The time period between medical and recreational use approval is shortening, dropping from over 7,000 days to under 1,500 days in just 16 years. Federal regulations are said to be shifting as well, as 2022 saw over 50 federal bills introduced on the matter. 

In Conclusion

There has been greater activity surrounding the legalization of previously illegal substances, opening doors for civilians left and right. President Biden even issued an executive order, pardoning non-violent offenders of these laws, showing his support on a governmental level for people whose lives have been permanently damaged from these offenses.

Source: BestCBDOils.org