As of June 2025, the U.S. Congress is actively considering several cannabis-related bills that address issues ranging from state autonomy and veterans’ access to medical marijuana, to banking reforms and federal research policies.
These legislative efforts include:
STATES 2.0 Act (H.R. 2934)
Introduced by Representatives Dave Joyce (R-OH), Max Miller (R-OH), and Dina Titus (D-NV), the STATES 2.0 Act would amend the Controlled Substances Act to exempt individuals and businesses operating in compliance with state or tribal cannabis laws from federal enforcement. The bill also proposes to authorize interstate cannabis commerce between legal jurisdictions and allow cannabis businesses to claim federal tax deductions currently denied under IRS Code 280E. Additionally, it outlines a framework for eventual federal regulation and taxation of cannabis products.
On May 29 the STATES 2.0 Act gained its fourth sponsor.
Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act (H.R. 966)
Filed by Representative Greg Steube (R-FL), this bill seeks to ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not deny veterans benefits solely based on their participation in a state-approved medical cannabis program. It also permits VA doctors to discuss cannabis use with their patients and incorporate it into treatment plans where permitted under state law.
Veterans Equal Access Act (H.R. 1384)
Introduced by Representative Brian Mast (R-FL), the Veterans Equal Access Act would authorize VA physicians to issue medical cannabis recommendations to veterans in states where it is legal. This measure would eliminate current barriers that prevent veterans from accessing medical cannabis through their VA healthcare providers.
No Deductions for Marijuana Businesses Act (S. 471 and H.R. 1447)
The only anti-cannabis measure on this list and sponsored by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) in the Senate, and Representative Nathaniel Moran (R-TX) in the House, this legislation would prevent cannabis businesses from claiming tax deductions for business expenses, even if cannabis is rescheduled under the Controlled Substances Act. The proposal responds to ongoing efforts to reform IRS Code 280E and has drawn strong opposition from legal cannabis operators and industry groups.
Preparing Regulators Effectively for a Post-Prohibition Adult-Use Regulated Environment Act (H.R. 2935)
Introduced by Representatives Dave Joyce (R-OH) and Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), this bill proposes the creation of a commission to develop a fair and transparent process for crafting federal regulations in preparation for nationwide cannabis legalization. The commission would include experts from various fields to help transition from the current patchwork of state laws to a unified interstate market.
Evidence-Based Drug Policy Act (H.R. 8219)
Filed by Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Ilhan Omar (D-MN), the Evidence-Based Drug Policy Act would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate the effectiveness of cannabis’s current Schedule I classification. The GAO would assess how this classification impacts access to research and whether it aligns with scientific evidence on cannabis’s health effects and potential therapeutic uses. The goal is to promote data-driven policymaking by ensuring federal drug laws are based on credible scientific findings.
Upcoming Legislation: SAFE and SAFER Banking Acts
While not yet reintroduced in the current session, the SAFE (Secure and Fair Enforcement) Banking Act and its updated version, the SAFER (Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation) Banking Act, are expected to be filed soon. These bills would provide protections for financial institutions that work with licensed cannabis businesses in legal states, addressing one of the industry’s significant challenges. Representative Dina Titus (D-NV), co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Cannabis Caucus, has indicated that cannabis banking legislation is a top priority and is being actively worked on, although no specific date has been given for when the proposal will be filed. The SAFER Banking Act has previously garnered substantial bipartisan support in both the House and Senate.
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