Advocates for cannabis reform have waited patiently to see if the Trump administration would take action on legalization. Trump previously said he was in favor of states making their own decisions with regard to pot policy. Now, a group of bipartisan lawmakers has reintroduced legislation meant to reinforce these ideals.
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As first reported by Marijuana Moment, the Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States (STATES) 2.0 Act would essentially end the federal marijuana prohibition in states that have enacted medical and/or recreational legalization. The bill would change the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and remove roadblocks for compliant cannabis companies across the country. Plant-touching businesses would no longer have to worry about undue tax burdens and could finally engage in interstate commerce.
The STATES 2.0 Act calls for a federal cannabis framework regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). States and tribal entities would be allowed to set their own policies. The bill does not legalize cannabis nationwide; people who break the laws of their individual states could still be charged with crimes.
The STATES 2.0 Act was introduced by Republican Reps. Dave Joyce and Max Miller of Ohio, along with Democrat Dina Titus of Nevada. Joyce is the co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus and a longtime advocate of drug policy reform.
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This is the third time a version of the STATES Act has been introduced in Congress. While it’s unclear if the bill will finally be passed, it comes at a time when bipartisan support for federal cannabis reform is at an all-time high. The Trump administration recently said there are currently no plans to change federal policy, but the President did make several comments on the campaign trail indicating he supports reform.
The bill has a long journey before pot companies can reap the benefits. But with both Republicans and Democrats finally finding common ground via cannabis, 2025 could be the year meaningful change finally comes to fruition.
