LINK: Federal marijuana legalization: how far away is it? 

“Despite state laws making cannabis fully legal in up to twenty states– the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) still has the plant categorized as a Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), marking it as having no medicinal value with a high potential for abuse. This classification has remained despite multiple studies showing the plant’s medical potential.”

Marijuana Buds

Not only is the lack of action (either legalize it or clamp down and end the charade) keeping the fledgling industry from accelerating growth across the nation, it is also affecting us in other ways.

Whether we agree or not, my best guess is that marijuana is here to stay.

• Legalizing it federally would mean a new revenue source for states and municipalities. Keep in mind that people currently buying this product outside of the legal channel are paying no taxes and they are not going to stop buying the product. That ship has sailed.
• It would also open up channels for research. “What are the long-term effects of using marijuana?” We can only guess. The same laws that keep citizens from buying this product also are barriers for individuals and companies wanting to invest in research on the long-term use of marijuana. Both sides of the debate have opinions on whether or not it is harmful, but new research is needed to get a clearer look at the effects it has on people.
• It would also provide access to the banking system – especially allowing cash deposits and access to credit card services. Interesting that in Michigan you cannot use a credit card to make a purchase, but you can use a debit card. Not to make the purchase, but to start a debit transaction. The transaction is frequently made for $1 more than the sale so the customer receives their product and the $1 “cash back”. Where there is a will there is a way. Is this legal? I don’t know but apparently, that is how it currently works.

It is time to take action. California started this process by legalizing marijuana in 1996. Here we are in 2023 and in political fashion, we continue to kick the problem down the road.

“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life, and the procedure, the process is its own reward.”

– Amelia Earhart

Are you a licensed marijuana grower? If so Triple K Irrigation can help you with your irrigation and fertilizing plans. Give us a call at 517-458-9741 and speak to one of our agricultural experts and learn how we have helped other growers across the country.