While the presidency often dominates discussions on cannabis reform, it is Congress that holds the true legislative power. Despite high-profile presidential debates and policy priorities, the president’s influence is limited when it comes to making significant changes to cannabis laws. Rescheduling cannabis, for instance, falls under the control of the Drug Enforcement Agency, not the Oval Office. And while a president can sign bills or direct federal agencies to offer short-term relief, these actions are often just temporary solutions.

The real breakthroughs in cannabis policy have come from Congress. The Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment, for example, stopped federal raids on medical cannabis providers, safeguarding patients and businesses even during the tenure of administrations opposed to cannabis. Only Congress can pass laws to integrate cannabis into the nation’s healthcare system or grant long-overdue protections to medical cannabis patients, such as shielding them from workplace discrimination, eviction, or denial of care in hospitals and care homes.

This is why public advocacy is crucial. With over six million patients relying on medical cannabis for conditions like chronic pain and PTSD, the stakes are high. The 2024 elections are crucial, not only for the presidential race but also for the 468 seats up for grabs in Congress.

In the end, it’s up to Congress to make the major changes that millions of Americans need, not the White House aka the president.

Source: The Hill