Advocating for Holistic Legislation Rather Than Piecemeal Approaches
In an unusual stance that diverges from mainstream Republican views, Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina has voiced his concerns over the current piecemeal approach to cannabis policies, urging for the establishment of a thorough federal regulatory infrastructure similar to that which governs alcohol and tobacco.
In an exclusive discussion with AskAPol seen on Tuesday, Sen. Tillis conveyed his dissatisfaction with the present initiatives of the Biden administration to move cannabis to Schedule III within the Controlled Substances Act, alongside a bipartisan cannabis banking bill that he saw proceeding in a committee he serves on in the previous year. Tillis remarked, “We should consider establishing a comprehensive federal framework addressing the banking and scheduling complications.”
Tillis’s Views on Incremental Legislative Endeavors
Tillis characterizes these incremental legislative endeavors as measures that deflect attention from addressing fundamental issues of the cannabis sector. In his view, crafting “a singular, unified framework” would be more effective rather than a series of fragmented steps, perhaps camouflaging the hazards linked to hemp-derived products like CBD, which he suggests could be more detrimental than conventional cannabis.
The North Carolina senator also shed light on the economic and justice aspects, indicating that sweeping reforms would allow for the collection of excise taxes and diminish the influence of illicit markets. He acknowledged the necessity of implementing regulations to curb possible adverse impacts, ultimately disrupting some illegal operations that profit drug cartels.
Views on State-Level Cannabis Commerce
As Sen. Tillis delves into the intricate situation in states like California, he notes that Governor Gavin Newsom has not been markedly vocal about the topic, hinting at a clash with entities benefiting from the present unregulated system.
Sen. Tillis stopped short of outright endorsement for federal cannabis legalization; however, he posited that the federal government should impose regulations on state-level cannabis commerce to ensure safety and equity. He vowed to oppose the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFER) Banking Act in its existing iteration, emphasizing that it would hinder the quest for a more well-rounded approach.
The perspective of Sen. Tillis marks a shift within the GOP and adds to the evolving debate over cannabis policy, where the consensus is increasingly leaning towards comprehensive solutions over step-by-step adjustments.
