# What are the latest updates on the federal legalization bill in 2023?

Natalie Fletcher · August 4, 2026

> The Marijuana 1 to 3 Act of 2023 was introduced in January 2023 and aims to reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III substance under...

The Marijuana 1 to 3 Act of 2023 was introduced in January 2023 and aims to reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act, which would significantly change its legal status.

Rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III would mean it is recognized as having legitimate medical uses and could potentially allow for more research into its benefits and risks, similar to substances like anabolic steroids or ketamine.

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For a bill to become law, it must pass both the House and Senate in identical form and be signed by the President, a process that can often take years, especially for contentious issues like marijuana legalization.

Bills introduced in Congress are usually numbered sequentially, and the number resets every two years with the start of a new Congress; thus, HR 610 from the 118th Congress is distinct from any HR 610 from previous Congresses.

The States Reform Act, introduced by Rep.

Nancy Mace in October 2023, represents a bipartisan effort to legalize and regulate marijuana at the national level, indicating a growing acceptance of cannabis among lawmakers.

The 2023 federal legislative landscape for marijuana saw both progress and setbacks, including the Biden administration's recommendation to reschedule cannabis, which has sparked debates about its potential impacts on legalization efforts.

In 2023, the House Rules Committee blocked a proposed amendment by Rep.

Matt Gaetz that aimed to include provisions for federal marijuana legalization in a larger legislative package, showing the divisions within Congress on this issue.

A significant aspect of legalization discussions revolves around cannabis banking reform, which seeks to provide legal financial services to cannabis businesses that are currently operating in a cash-only environment due to federal restrictions.

The federal prohibition on cannabis affects not just recreational users but also impacts medical patients and businesses, leading to inconsistencies in state versus federal law that create confusion and legal challenges.

As of April 2025, 91 Democratic representatives have cosponsored a new bill to federally legalize marijuana, showcasing a shift in political attitudes toward cannabis since the early days of the War on Drugs.

Federal firearms laws currently prohibit individuals who are “unlawful users” of controlled substances from possessing firearms, which complicates the rights of medical marijuana users who may legally use cannabis in their states.

The ongoing discussions about marijuana legalization include considerations of social equity, particularly addressing the disproportionate impacts of past drug enforcement policies on marginalized communities.

Scientific research on marijuana is still limited due to its Schedule I status, which classes it alongside drugs like heroin, complicating efforts to fully understand its pharmacology and therapeutic potential.

The difference in state laws concerning cannabis can lead to a patchwork of regulations, where some states have legalized recreational use while others still enforce strict prohibitions, affecting interstate commerce and law enforcement.

The economic impact of legalization includes potential tax revenues, job creation in the cannabis industry, and reductions in law enforcement costs associated with drug-related arrests.

The concept of marijuana as a medical treatment has gained traction, with some studies suggesting it can help with conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and epilepsy, although more comprehensive clinical trials are needed.

The debate over cannabis legalization is not just about personal use but also about issues like addiction, public health, and the potential for increased consumption among youth, leading to calls for more research and regulation.

The potential for international cannabis trade is also being explored, as some countries have fully legalized cannabis, creating opportunities for US businesses if federal laws change to allow for exports.

The neurobiology of cannabis involves its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating various physiological processes, including mood, memory, and pain sensation.

The narrative around cannabis is shifting from one of criminality to one of public health and personal freedom, prompting a reevaluation of long-standing policies and beliefs about drug use in society.

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