Representative Greg Steube (R-FL) filed the first national cannabis reform bill of 2021 to the 117th Congress. Referred to as the “Marijuana 1-to-3 Act of 2021,” this bill would reclassify cannabis from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug. This bill is the same as the MORE Act (Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment and Expungement Act). 

MORE Act

The MORE Act passed through the House of Representatives, but unfortunately failed in the Senate. After the failed coup on January 6th and the subsequent second impeachment of former President Trump, the MORE Act fell by the wayside. Because a new administration swore in on January 20th, the act needs to be reintroduced. 

Representative Steube didn’t take long to reintroduce the MORE Act. The MORE Act previously received sponsorship from now Vice President Harris. This sponsorship gives the bill a higher chance of another passage through the House and a majority win in the Senate. 

Controlled Substances Act Reclassification

So, what does this all mean? What difference would the MORE Act make by reclassifying cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug? This reclassification would open up more research opportunities for many facilities across the country. Since the 1970s, cannabis research has been few and far between in the States. Applications had several extra steps and hoops scientists had to go through to research Schedule I substances. Even then, many applications were denied because of the drug scheduling level. Any new research conducted in the past few decades happened outside of the US. International research availability is much more accessible and encouraged by different governments. 

By making cannabis a Schedule III drug, there wouldn’t be excessive hoops to jump through for research applications. Representative Steube said, “As marijuana is legalized for medical and recreational use across the United States, it is important that we study the effects of the substance and the potential impacts it can have on various populations. By rescheduling marijuana from a schedule I controlled substance to a schedule III controlled substance, the opportunities for research and study are drastically expanded. With this rescheduling, researchers can now access federal funds to research this substance and determine its medical value.”

Cannabis Future

Since the MORE Act passed the House once, chances are high it will pass a second time. There is a lot of positive buzz around the increased chance of reform. President Biden has also said he backs the reclassification of cannabis. Unfortunately, he isn’t entirely for legalization of recreational cannabis. But this rescheduling is a good step forward for cannabis use and businesses.

However, many cannabis advocates think that this simple rescheduling isn’t enough of a reform. They hope to completely remove cannabis from any scheduling by the Controlled Substances Act. There are also pushing for legal cannabis consumption along with creating social equity around the plant itself. 

As more information becomes available, we will update you with the latest. Make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp news.