Federal lawmakers have reintroduced the STATES 2.0 Act, which would end federal cannabis prohibition in states that have legalized it.
Filed by Congressmembers Dave Joyce (R-OH), Max Miller (R-OH), and Dina Titus (D-NV), the Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States (STATES) 2.0 Act was officially reintroduced Thursday. The measure would amend the federal Controlled Substances Act to protect individuals and businesses operating in compliance with state marijuana laws or tribal regulations from federal interference or persecution. The proposal is nearly identical to the STATES 2.0 Act that was filed in the previous session of Congress.
The proposed law also explicitly legalizes interstate marijuana commerce, allowing marijuana businesses to transport products between states that have legalized cannabis. In addition, it would revise IRS policy to treat marijuana businesses like other legal enterprises, and it would lay the groundwork for a future federal tax-and-regulate model.
Under the legislation, the U.S. Attorney General would be required to finalize a rule within 180 days of enactment that exempts state and tribal marijuana programs from federal prohibition.
Congressmember Joyce and Titus are also expected to refiled the SAFER Banking Act soon, which would enable marijuana banking nationwide.
