Could Federal Cannabis Laws Change in 2024?

 Posted on December 19, 2024 in Drug Charges

The last several years have seen growing acceptance of marijuana use throughout much of the United States. Multiple states, including Connecticut, have legalized the adult use of marijuana and allowed cannabis to be sold by licensed dispensaries. Many people have hoped to see the federal government follow suit and legalize marijuana at the federal level, but following the election of Donald Trump as president, that now seems unlikely.

Since the laws surrounding marijuana seem to constantly be in flux, the possibility of drug charges for those who use, sell, distribute, or transport this substance continues to exist. Those who have been arrested for possession, distribution, manufacturing, or trafficking of cannabis or other substances will need to secure representation from a Connecticut criminal defense attorney who can help defend against criminal charges.

Reclassification of Cannabis May Need to Wait

As efforts to legalize marijuana have continued throughout the U.S., many have hoped that Congress would pass laws that would remove some of the issues that affect the cannabis industry. Even though studies have shown that marijuana is less dangerous than many other drugs, the federal government still classifies cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance, treating it as if it is as dangerous as substances such as heroin, fentanyl, and LSD.

Because of how marijuana is classified, users and distributors are subject to several restrictions. Cannabis cannot be legally transported across state lines, making distribution from growers to dispensaries more difficult. In addition, many cannabis businesses are unable to take advantage of tax deductions for standard business expenses, which has led to higher prices due to effective tax rates that may be as high as 70 percent. In some cases, dispensaries or other businesses are even prevented from doing business with banks, making their financial operations more complicated.

Supporters of the legal cannabis industry have hoped that Congress would pass a law rescheduling cannabis and classifying it as a less dangerous substance. This would help reduce many of the issues listed above, while also lowering prices for consumers and boosting the profitability of stocks or other investments in marijuana companies. While President Joe Biden has favored this type of legislation, it has become less of a priority for many Democrats, and new laws are unlikely to pass before he leaves office. 

Even though President-elect Donald Trump has not been against the legalization or decriminalization of marijuana, this issue has not been a priority for him either. He and other Republicans have preferred to keep the status quo in place, leaving it up to the states to decide whether cannabis will remain illegal or whether it may be used by adults and sold by licensed dispensaries. Rescheduling marijuana will most likely be off the table for the foreseeable future.

Contact Our Hartford, CT Drug Crime Defense Attorneys

While marijuana may be legal for adults to use in Connecticut, there are many reasons why people could face criminal charges based on the possession or distribution of cannabis. Possessing a large amount of marijuana or selling cannabis without a valid license could lead to charges of drug possession or distribution. In these situations, representation from an experienced attorney can be crucial to help a person defend against a conviction.

If you have been charged with an offense related to marijuana or another substance, the East Hartford, CT drug crimes lawyers at Woolf Law Firm, LLC can help defend you against these charges. To set up a free consultation and get legal help with your case, contact us at 860-290-8690.