On May 23, 2018, we published revised versions of our Privacy Policy and User Agreements. Please read these updated terms and take some time to understand them. Your use of our services is subject to these revised terms.
Yes, I Agree.

420 with CNW — Policy Analyst Says Marijuana Legalization ‘Inevitable’

A policy analyst from TD Cowen says that cannabis legalization in the United States is “inevitable” and believes that it is just a question of weathering a bumpy legislative landscape for the next several years. Originally, many analysts thought federal cannabis legalization was finally on track after the Democrats secured the House, Senate and White House, especially as President Joe Biden had based part of his campaign on cannabis reform.

However, while the Biden administration has taken some cannabis-related action, including issuing a mass pardon for people with certain cannabis-related convictions, the administration has barely made any moves to legalize cannabis at the federal level.

With President Biden’s first term fast approaching its end, many pundits and investors are quickly losing hope for federal cannabis legalization, particularly in the next couple of years. Capital investment in the state-legal cannabis industry is extremely low, and the AdvisorShares Pure U.S. Cannabis ETF, current holder of all U.S.-based marijuana companies, is trading at just $6.80 a share down from around $52 a share in early 2021.

Federal prohibition has made operating in the cannabis sector almost untenable; cannabis businesses are barred from interstate commerce, they struggle to obtain investment and financing, and they aren’t allowed to make normal business tax deductions. Even so, TD Cowen policy analyst Jaret Seiberg says federal legalization is inevitable. Polls show that a majority of the American population is in favor of either decriminalization or outright legalization, and a cadre of top lawmakers has thrown their weight behind cannabis reform.

Bipartisan legislation such as the SAFER Banking Act seeks to legitimize the cannabis sector by allowing industry players to access financial services from banking institutions. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other senators have also been working on a bill that would legalize cannabis at the federal level.

In addition, a group of Massachusetts cannabis businesses has filed a lawsuit alleging that the Controlled Substances Act, which classifies cannabis as a Schedule I controlled drug, is an unconstitutional infringement on the power of states with legal cannabis. Although a favorable ruling wouldn’t make interstate cannabis trade any easier, it would significantly ease the operations of already existing cannabis businesses by granting them access to essential financial services, such as bank accounts and cashless payments.

Legalization may also be spurred by executive action. For instance, Biden recently asked the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to review marijuana’s federal status as a controlled substance. Subsequently, a letter dated Aug 29, 2023, which was obtained by Bloomberg, revealed that a top HHS official had recommended that the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) reschedule cannabis from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to Schedule III.

The cannabis industry, including enterprises such as Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF), awaits any definitive action taken by the DEA as this will have a major effect on the trajectory of the marijuana industry in the United States.

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern – our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN

Archives

Select A Month

Official NewsWire Relationships

Alternative Products Expo Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference Cannabis Business Summit & Expo 2019 Cannabis Drinks Expo Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition Cannexpo Marigold PR MjMicro Conference New England Cannabis Network O'Cannabiz Conference & Expo Tether BudTender Tether BudTender Appreciation Week

CannabisNewsWire Currently Accepts

Bitcoin

Bitcoin

Bitcoin Cash

Bitcoin Cash

Doge Coin

Dogecoin

Ethereum

Ethereum

Litecoin

Litecoin

USD Coin

USD Coin

Contact us: 303.498.7722