There has been a long-time push for the legalization of marijuana and decriminalization of drugs on both the federal and state levels. Families are rightly upset about what is happening in their communities. Easing of the drug laws has produced a rise in crime and fatalities, given children access to mind-altering drugs, and overwhelmed addiction centers with hurting Americans. Many lawmakers see legalization as a money-maker or a social justice endeavor, but in reality, it’s destroying the lives of their constituents.
House and Senate Republicans have so far been able to stave off attempts to legalize any illicit drugs at the federal level. One champion is Representative Mary Miller (R-IL), who introduced legislation to close the loophole to end intoxicating hemp farming. In previous bills, the definition of hemp did not distinguish the differences between non-intoxicating hemp, used in clothes and jewelry, and that which can be harvested in a way to create a synthetic drug containing high levels of THC, a psychoactive cannabinoid. The drug produced is called Delta-8, which can cause psychiatric, respiratory, thoracic, and nervous system disorders. While the similar drug Delta-9 was heavily regulated, producers of Delta-8 were able to stay under the radar while making products that contained more THC than their counterparts.
Rep. Miller’s language prohibiting the harvesting of hemp to create Delta-8 was placed in last year’s Farm Bill and passed into law. This year, that language is in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. We have encouraged our grassroots to reach out to their Congressman to urge them to hold the line on this provision.
Earlier this year, the House and Senate passed the HALT Fentanyl Act (H.R. 27/S. 331) to keep fentanyl as a Schedule I drug, meaning it is one with a high risk of abuse. Its current status was about to expire, so this action made it permanent. While a large majority voted in favor, 108 Representatives and 16 Senators voted against it. All but one dissenter caucuses with the Democrat party. However, we have seen this ideology bleed over into the Republican Party in recent years.
Maine is the most recent state to garner attention for its extreme position on illicit drugs. Since 2009, recreational marijuana use has been legal with few regulations. Sadly, they have moved on to other drugs as well. Last week, the state House and Senate voted to decriminalize magic mushrooms. This was a bipartisan effort with five Democrat sponsors and three Republicans. They were told that small amounts could help individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They weren’t told the whole story, though.
Magic mushrooms contain a psychedelic called “psilocybin,” which causes a user to hallucinate and feel euphoric sensations. A “trip” on mushrooms can last up to six hours. The side effects can significantly outweigh the benefits. Those include manic behavior, seizures, heart attacks, high blood pressure, comas, depression, or enhanced mental disorders. Those who have already experienced these behaviors or conditions are at an even greater risk.
Maine would have been the third state to decriminalize magic mushrooms, along with Colorado and Oregon. Fortunately, sober minds prevailed to stop it. The Maine House took another vote on the legislation, which failed. Several lawmakers from both sides of the aisle changed their vote after their constituents voiced their opposition.
The global cannabis industry is currently valued at nearly $44 billion and is projected to be at $444 billion by 2030. There is no doubt they will expand their market into other drugs when given the chance. Our elected officials from all levels of government need to hear from us before this industry becomes too powerful and lawless. One upcoming opportunity to do so is at Eagle Council 53 in Washington, D.C., from September 8-11. Two full days of our conference will be dedicated to spending time with legislators and experts on Capitol Hill, many of whom are fighting against the drug epidemic. If you are interested in joining us, visit our website here to learn more and register TODAY.
