A bipartisan initiative aiming at terminating federal enforcement of marijuana laws in states where it is legal has the backing of two significant law enforcement organizations: the Oregon Coalition of Police and Sheriffs (ORCOPS) and the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC). The huge tobacco and alcohol businesses are among the members of the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation (CPEAR), which made this endorsement announcement.
The bill, known as the STATES 2.0 Act, has gained backing from prominent lawmakers, including Representative Dave Joyce, the primary sponsor. Joyce, a former prosecutor, expressed gratitude toward the law enforcement associations for their support, emphasizing the inefficiency and counterproductive nature of forcing officers to navigate conflicting state and federal cannabis laws. He highlighted that this bill would resolve these discrepancies, allowing law enforcement to better focus on public-safety and community-specific needs.
Other sponsors of the bill include Representatives Brian Mast, Troy Carter, Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Earl Blumenauer. The proposed legislation seeks to amend the CSA, thereby decriminalizing federal offenses for individuals complying with state marijuana laws and those of Indian tribes. It also aims to authorize interstate cannabis commerce and proposes a tax on marijuana to support enforcement and regulation efforts.
Brian Marvel, president of PORAC, praised the STATES 2.0 Act, noting its balance between federal oversight and state autonomy. He emphasized that while state-level legalization does not eliminate illegal markets, the act would help law enforcement target those markets more effectively. This would enable understaffed and underfunded agencies to allocate resources toward more serious crimes and illegal substances.
ORCOPS president Aaron Schmautz underscored the importance of state and federal cooperation in ensuring laws and policies achieve their intended outcomes. He highlighted the longstanding disconnect between federal marijuana regulations and state legalization efforts, affirming that the STATES 2.0 Act addresses this issue and promotes public safety and responsible marijuana policies nationwide.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions to remove cannabis sales subject to state regulation from Section 280E of the IRS code, which now prohibits the industry from claiming federal tax deductions that are available to other markets. Following the bill’s passage, the attorney general would have six months to complete a rule modifying the CSA to exempt states and tribes from the federal government’s prohibition on cannabis use.
Former Representative Greg Walden, cochair of CPEAR, emphasized the bill’s respect for state rights and its potential to resolve conflicts arising from outdated federal policies. Walden, whose views on cannabis policy evolved during his time in Congress, now advocates for aligning federal laws with state regulations, reflecting the will of voters and supporting law enforcement.
The executive director of CPEAR, Andrew Freedman, praised the STATES Act for encouraging reasonable drug-policy reform and coordinating federal policy with state initiatives. He emphasized the necessity of laws that safeguard children, improve traffic safety, fight addiction and honor local marijuana laws.
Additionally, CPEAR emphasized a recent survey that found more than 60% of Republicans are in favor of congressional legislation that preserves states’ autonomy to enact cannabis regulations. The bipartisan appeal of the STATES 2.0 Act is highlighted by this broad support.
The momentum in favor of federal marijuana policy reform is growing, and marijuana companies such as Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) can believe that change is likely to come sooner rather than later.
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