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Opposition is growing to President Biden’s more moderate approach to cannabis reform, as a trio of Senators vows to introduce legislation to end federal marijuana prohibition. Sens. Schumer of New York, Wyden of Oregon, and New Jersey’s Booker said in a statement they will introduce draft legislation early this year aimed at “righting the wrongs” of the war on drugs, and that includes federal-level marijuana legalization. For his part, President Biden favors allowing states to decide on their own about legalizing recreational pot rather than doing away with the federal prohibition.
Meanwhile, an op-ed by a Colorado psychiatrist who treats young people with substance use disorder says that this age group is increasingly using medical cannabis with dangerously high levels of THC. Anyone under 21, who cannot legally buy recreational pot, can get a medical card and buy such products without tracking or monitoring. Studies show that high potency THC can lead to addiction, psychosis, depression and anxiety. So as states look to Colorado on how to regulate the cannabis market, the state needs to revise its own regulations.
And finally, New Jersey voters approved marijuana legalization last year, but the law to enact the measure is in limbo over how to deal with children caught with cannabis. The proposed law says anyone under 18 would not be charged with delinquency, but opponents—including the pro-pot Governor—say they want tougher enforcement provisions for underage possession.
By ROSENTHAL CENTER FOR ADDICTION STUDIESOpposition is growing to President Biden’s more moderate approach to cannabis reform, as a trio of Senators vows to introduce legislation to end federal marijuana prohibition. Sens. Schumer of New York, Wyden of Oregon, and New Jersey’s Booker said in a statement they will introduce draft legislation early this year aimed at “righting the wrongs” of the war on drugs, and that includes federal-level marijuana legalization. For his part, President Biden favors allowing states to decide on their own about legalizing recreational pot rather than doing away with the federal prohibition.
Meanwhile, an op-ed by a Colorado psychiatrist who treats young people with substance use disorder says that this age group is increasingly using medical cannabis with dangerously high levels of THC. Anyone under 21, who cannot legally buy recreational pot, can get a medical card and buy such products without tracking or monitoring. Studies show that high potency THC can lead to addiction, psychosis, depression and anxiety. So as states look to Colorado on how to regulate the cannabis market, the state needs to revise its own regulations.
And finally, New Jersey voters approved marijuana legalization last year, but the law to enact the measure is in limbo over how to deal with children caught with cannabis. The proposed law says anyone under 18 would not be charged with delinquency, but opponents—including the pro-pot Governor—say they want tougher enforcement provisions for underage possession.