Don Murphy, director of federal policies at the Marijuana Policy Project, is a man on a mission. His goal is to bring cannabis reform to the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. In a recent interview with Leafly, Murphy expressed his optimism for the future of cannabis legislation.
Murphy believes that there is a good chance for cannabis reform to pass in the House, citing a recent survey that found that 83% of Americans support medical cannabis legalization. However, he acknowledges that passing cannabis legislation is still an uphill battle, especially in the Republican-controlled House.
To increase the chances of success, Murphy is focusing his efforts on building relationships with Republican lawmakers and educating them on the benefits of cannabis reform. He is also working to dispel common myths and misconceptions about cannabis, such as the idea that it is a gateway drug or that it has no medical value.
Murphy’s efforts are already starting to pay off. In 2019, he worked with lawmakers to introduce the STATES Act, a bipartisan bill that would protect state-legal cannabis programs from federal interference. Although the bill did not pass, it garnered significant support from both Democrats and Republicans.
Despite the challenges ahead, Murphy remains optimistic about the future of cannabis reform. He believes that as more and more states legalize cannabis, federal lawmakers will be forced to address the issue. And with his continued efforts to build bridges and educate lawmakers, Murphy is helping to pave the way for a more cannabis-friendly future.