Lawmakers File Bill to Federally Legalize Cannabis

U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace formally introduced the States Reform Act on Monday, which seeks to end the federal prohibition of cannabis in favor of a tax-and-regulate model similar to alcohol, The State reports.

“This bill supports veterans, law enforcement, farmers, businesses, those with serious illnesses, and it is good for criminal justice reform. The States Reform Act takes special care to keep Americans and their children safe while ending federal interference with state cannabis laws.” — Rep. Nancy Mace, in a statement

Specifically, the proposal seeks a 3% federal excise tax on all cannabis sales with proceeds reserved for law enforcement programs, assisting the federal Small Business Administration, and supporting mental health initiatives for veterans. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau would be tasked with federally regulating sales of the plant while the U.S. Department of Agriculture would manage cannabis farming and cultivation; the FDA would maintain jurisdiction over medical cannabis regulations.

While the bill contains language addressing the expungement of nonviolent federal cannabis crimes, it stops short of the social equity clauses in other federal cannabis bills like the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act and the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act.