The Shift in Federal Drug Policy: Psychedelics Surpass Cannabis in Legislative Momentum

The landscape of federal drug policy in the United States is undergoing a noticeable shift. While cannabis reform has been a focal point for decades, psychedelics are now gaining faster legislative traction. Representative Lou Correa (D-CA), chair of the Congressional Psychedelics Advancing Therapies (PATH) Caucus, recently voiced his concerns about this shift and criticized former President Joe Biden for not advancing meaningful cannabis reform before leaving office.

Psychedelics Gain Ground Over Cannabis

According to Correa, bipartisan lawmakers have made significant strides in advancing psychedelic research, particularly for therapeutic applications. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has shown a growing interest in studying psychedelics like MDMA and psilocybin, a stark contrast to its historically cautious approach to cannabis research. Despite strong advocacy efforts, cannabis reform has struggled to achieve the same level of progress.

Correa pointed out that the cannabis movement has been active for over 30 years, yet federal prohibition remains largely intact. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already engaged in discussions about MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), demonstrating that psychedelics are making faster headway in regulatory discussions.

The Biden Administration’s Limited Impact

One of Correa’s primary criticisms was directed at President Biden’s handling of cannabis reform. While Biden initiated a scheduling review that led to a recommendation for reclassifying cannabis as a Schedule III substance and issued pardons for federal marijuana possession offenses, these actions have not gone far enough for many advocates. Correa noted that Biden could have taken more decisive action before leaving office, potentially setting a stronger foundation for future reform.

With the Trump administration returning to power, Correa expressed skepticism about the future of cannabis policy. He suggested that cannabis rescheduling is unlikely to be a priority and could face additional political roadblocks under the new leadership.

Opposition to Cannabis Reform Persists

While some lawmakers push for broader cannabis reform, opposition remains strong in certain circles. Representative Andy Harris (R-MD) recently emphasized the need to convince Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s pick for head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), that marijuana is harmful. Harris advocates for limiting cannabis use rather than expanding access, signaling potential hurdles for reform efforts under the current administration.

The Future of Cannabis and Psychedelics Policy

The diverging paths of cannabis and psychedelics in federal policy reflect shifting political priorities and regulatory landscapes. While cannabis reform has faced persistent resistance, psychedelics are rapidly gaining credibility as viable medical treatments. With the Biden administration leaving key reforms unfinished and the Trump administration unlikely to champion cannabis legalization, the industry may face continued challenges in securing meaningful legislative victories.

As the conversation evolves, stakeholders in the cannabis sector will need to navigate these political complexities, advocate for research-backed policies, and push for broader acceptance of cannabis as both a medicinal and economic asset. The current momentum behind psychedelics suggests a changing tide in federal drug policy, but whether cannabis will eventually catch up remains uncertain.