Senators Highlight Medical Cannabis as Opioid Alternative

The federal cannabis landscape is feeling a bit like a seesaw right now. On one side, the White House drug office just added a physician known for her anti-cannabis stance, which is a bit of a buzzkill for those hoping for a smooth rescheduling process. On the other, the U.S. Senate is moving forward with a new DEA head who, despite some reservations, says he’ll make reviewing marijuana’s status a top priority. Plus, there’s some heartening news for veterans: a Senate committee is pushing the VA to study how medical herb could help cut back on opioid use.

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania is cranking up the pressure to join the legal club, and North Dakota is officially welcoming medical edibles this August. For the average toker, this mix of news shows that while we still have some old-school hurdles in D.C., the momentum in the states and the growing focus on medical benefits are hard to stop. Staying informed is key because these political shifts eventually dictate what we can buy and how safely we can enjoy it.