A group of Senate Democrats has renewed its push to remove marijuana from the federal list of controlled substances, taking a broader approach than the Trump administration’s ongoing effort to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug.
On July 16, 17 Democratic senators reintroduced the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA), a proposal that would eliminate the federal ban on marijuana while creating a nationwide framework for regulation, taxation, and oversight. Originally introduced in 2021 and later revived in 2024, the legislation seeks to replace prohibition with a system similar to those governing alcohol and tobacco.
The measure is being led by Sens. Cory Booker, Ron Wyden, and Chuck Schumer, alongside 14 original co-sponsors. Supporters say the proposal would preserve each state’s authority to determine its marijuana policies while establishing federal standards for consumer safety, expanding scientific research, improving banking access for legal businesses, protecting workers, and addressing the lasting effects of past drug enforcement.
According to Booker, existing marijuana laws have unfairly harmed generations of Americans, particularly communities of color. He argued that the bill would end outdated federal restrictions, erase qualifying low-level federal marijuana convictions, and provide opportunities for communities that have been disproportionately affected by decades of prohibitionist drug policy.
Data from the American Civil Liberties Union shows Black Americans have historically faced arrest for marijuana possession at far higher rates than white Americans despite similar usage patterns. Criminal records tied to marijuana offenses can also limit access to employment, housing, education, and other opportunities.
Schumer described the proposal as a step toward correcting long-standing inequities while supporting research, public safety, and financial services for the legal cannabis industry. Public opinion has also shifted in recent years. Gallup reported that 64% of U.S. adults supported legal marijuana for medical and adult use in 2025, a decline from a high of 70% in 2023.
The 278-page bill would establish a federal Center for Cannabis Products, direct the FDA to develop manufacturing and labeling standards, fund youth prevention initiatives, and increase research through agencies including the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Additional provisions would create tax rates based on business size, transfer federal oversight to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, strengthen enforcement against illegal trafficking, support impaired driving prevention, and automatically expunge certain nonviolent federal cannabis convictions.
Wyden said federal law has failed to reflect changing public attitudes, adding that the legislation offers a comprehensive path toward nationwide regulation while keeping health and safety at the forefront.
Whether or not this latest effort succeeds in changing the federal status of marijuana remains to be seen, and businesses like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) will be watching any progress that the bill makes through Congress.
About CNW420
CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer
CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com
CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN
