The White House has submitted its budget request for the 2026 fiscal year, proposing the repeal of a federal budget rider that has safeguarded medical cannabis patients since 2014. This provision prevents the Department of Justice from using federal funds to prosecute individuals involved in state-legal medical cannabis operations across 39 states.
The rider was established to protect patients, caregivers, and dispensaries from federal interference. Prior to its implementation, federal authorities actively pursued legal actions against patients and businesses in states where medical cannabis was legalized, causing significant distress for those relying on cannabis for health reasons.
By proposing to eliminate this budget rider, the Trump administration has revived concerns among advocates and patients who fear increased federal scrutiny and potential prosecutions. The responsibility to maintain or repeal this protection now lies with Congress. Advocacy groups, such as the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), are mobilizing support to urge lawmakers to keep these protections in place.
NORML emphasizes the importance of federal protections for medical cannabis users, highlighting the need for legislative support amidst ongoing efforts by certain lobbyists to tighten cannabis regulations and promote enforcement. The organization is rallying public support to pressure Congress to safeguard the rights of medical cannabis patients and providers.
As the conversation around cannabis policy continues to evolve, the potential repeal of these protections could have far-reaching effects on the medical cannabis industry and the patients who depend on it. Stakeholders are encouraged to contact their representatives to express their views on this critical issue.
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