Conservatives Starting to Accept CBD/Cannabis

As the use of CBD and medical marijuana continues to increase, so too has support for the legalization of cannabis among conservatives.

“The prevailing wisdom has been that a conservative administration would be less receptive, but I think legalization is now inevitable on its own kinetic energy,” says Sturges Karban, CEO of cannabis logistics company ManifestSeven.

Four states legalized recreational marijuana in 2020, including red states Arizona, Montana, and South Dakota.

“The red states are empirical evidence that there’s enough demand and support at the grassroots that the issue is agnostic to party,” says Karban. “How do you ignore that if you’re in Washington?”

Polls conducted in New Jersey – the fourth state to legalize in 2020 – suggest 52% of Republicans support legalization.

“People are just much less afraid of marijuana than they used to be,” says New Jersey lawyer John Fanburg, citing the state’s increasing medical marijuana usage.

Those who favor CBD/cannabis legalization are hoping President Joe Biden will take action.

Last month, Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Barbara Lee (D-CA) sent a letter to President Biden urging him to grant mass clemency to people with federal cannabis convictions.

“Until the day that Congress sends President Biden a marijuana reform bill to sign, he has the unique ability to lead on criminal justice reform and provide immediate relief to thousands of Americans,” they said.

Under President Biden, it’s very possible that Congress will approve the STATES Act. This would give each state the authority to develop its own laws- including those regarding interstate traffic of cannabis.

The STATES Act would eliminate tax code 280E, which prevents cannabis companies from deducting their operating expenses for tax purposes. It would also remove current restrictions blocking banks from participating in the industry.

Other proposals include the SAFE Act, which would allow banks to serve cannabis companies, and the MORE Act, which would legalize marijuana nationwide.

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Considering the severe economic losses caused by COVID-19, broad legalization could be just the thing America needs to get back on its feet.

Passing the STATES Act would significantly boost profits for marijuana companies. It would also reduce costs for consumers, who currently pay a premium for the products they need.

Author’s Note:

People fear what they do not understand. As more research about marijuana becomes available, more Americans are starting to view legalization in terms of profits and medical benefits rather than crime and addiction.