Amazon has reported lobbying lawmakers in support of two different bills that would deschedule marijuana.
According to recent federal lobbying disclosures, Amazon has reported paying lobbyists to support issues related to “cannabis reform, including the States Reform Act (H.R. 5977) and the Cannabis Administration & Opportunity Act (S. 4591).” The disclosures cover Q4, 2023, which covers October 1 to December 31.
Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced the Cannabis Administration & Opportunity Act in 2022. In a press release announcing the measure Senator Booker said this “comprehensive legislation would end federal cannabis prohibition by removing cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act; empower states to create their own cannabis laws; ensure federal regulation protects public health and safety; and prioritize restorative and economic justice”.
Despite being filed in 2022, many proponents of federal marijuana reform continue to push this measure as one of the most comprehensive options available.
The States Reform Act was filed by Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC) in 2022, with an updated version filed in October, 2023. The measure, according to its official legislative brief, “Federally decriminalizes cannabis and fully defers to state powers over prohibition and commercial regulation.” The measure was recently given a new committee assignment in the House of Representatives.
Support of these bills make it clear that Amazon is going all-in on the idea that marijuana should not be a federally illegal substance.
For a look at the federal marijuana bills most likely to be passed by the US House and Senate this year, click here.
