John,
It's past time we talk about marijuana, cannabis, and the state of Missouri. We are falling behind in removing barriers for fundamental change in our country by Congress ignoring the need to regulate the use of marijuana but at the same time promote progress within the industry.
Currently, cannabis is legal in 37 states medically and 18 recreationally – and according to the Pew Research Center, "the share of U.S. adults who oppose legalization has fallen from 52% in 2010 to 32% today."
It's time we become realistic about an industry that has been misunderstood but has the tremendous potential to benefit all communities medically and via economic development.
The only impediment is, of course, Congress. To speed up the process by which the industry can thrive, the business of marijuana should be allowed to fully operate within the commercial systems of our economy, including banking. Passing the Secure and Fair Enforcement Act (SAFE) will support cannabis businesses, initiate growth by creating jobs, and strengthen public safety in the community is a great first step.
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Another area that needs to be addressed immediately is decriminalization. Ten states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana. Comprehensive reform must happen. It's time to bring the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act to the forefront so Missourians don't have to wait any longer for cannabis to be removed from the federal list of controlled substances, expunge nonviolent federal marijuana convictions and direct tax proceeds of marijuana sales to communities that were hit hardest by the nation's war on drugs.
One more area is to look at the Farm Bill, which, in 2018, legalized hemp and all hemp derivatives, isomers, and hemp-derived products so long as their Delta-9 THC percentage is below .3%. In doing so, CBD, CBG, Delta-8 THC, and CBN became federally legal. We must ensure that the small businesses in this space are supported and promoted as this budding industry begins to blossom across St. Louis, Missouri, and the country.
