Attorney General Pick Gaetz Is Pro-Cannabis, But New Senate Majority Leader Has Been Anti-Reform
November 19, 2024President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Representative Matt Gaetz as the next U.S. Attorney General has widely been seen as a boon for the cannabis industry, as Gaetz has been an outspoken proponent of adult-use legalization. Gaetz is one of only a handful of Republican lawmakers who supported the Democrats’ attempt at federal legalization in 2022. In addition, Gaetz has supported legislation aimed at reforming cannabis businesses’ access to banking. In a statement, David Culver of the U.S. Cannabis Council praised the nomination, saying that it was a sign that President Trump would follow through on his campaign promises of reform for the cannabis industry.
On the other hand, the transition of power in the Senate potentially creates a roadblock to federal reform and legalization. Senator John Thune, the new Senate majority leader, is a longtime opponent of cannabis reform. Thune’s opposition runs deep—he’s claimed that there are no medical benefits to cannabis and opposes rescheduling of the drug—and is consistent at both the state and federal levels. With Thune’s leadership imminent, proponents of legalization and banking reform are pushing current majority leader Chuck Schumer to bring the SAFER Banking Act and the DOOBIE Act (which would limit consideration of cannabis use in regard to employment suitability or security clearance) to a vote before the January transition of power.—Shane English
Subscribe to Shanken News Daily’s Email Newsletter, delivered to your inbox each morning. You will also receive the Cannabis edition as part of your subscription.Tagged : cannabis
