The market will have wait for United States District Court Judge Kimberly Mueller’s decision on the reclassification of marijuana. The decision was to be announced tomorrow, but was delayed until April 15th. This is unfortunate because this news will serve as a major catalyst to the cannabis industry.
This is also the second delay in the case. Previously, Judge Mueller agreed to a defense request for extended written arguments on the case.
What happens after she announces her decision?
This case has gathered the attention of millions of Americans that are either for or against marijuana reform. One question that I have been frequently asked is what happens after Judge Mueller announces her decision.
Here is what Technical420 expects will happen after the decision is announced:
The decision will be appealed by the losing party.
The case then goes to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which has jurisdiction over Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.
The Ninth Circuit’s decision will be appealed by the losing party.
Then the case then goes to the Supreme Court, whose ruling applies to the entire country.
Definitely expect to see an appeal
Technical420 expects to see Judge Mueller rule in favor of the defense on the merits. Immediately after this ruling, we expect the prosecutors to appeal and to request a temporary stay on her ruling until the matter can be heard by the Ninth Circuit. This move would delay any ruling from taking effect until next year.
If an appeal is not filed (which is very unlikely), then the administrator of the DEA can immediately reschedule cannabis as a Schedule II substance. This is one of the provisions of the bipartisan bill introduced in the U.S Senate.
Outlook
Marijuana support has grown significantly over the last two years and the United States is reaching a tipping point. For the first time ever, a few well-respected surveys (General Social Survey and the Gallup survey) show that a majority of Americans favor the legalization of cannabis. Also, approximately 80% of voters want to see U.S policy recognize the “drug” as what it really is: a medicine.
Contrary to popular belief, a favorable ruling by Judge Mueller will not end the federal war on marijuana by itself but it is a huge step forward!
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