Congress
Fifty Years Into the Drug War, a Bill to Decriminalize Possession Unveiled in Congress
The bill’s drafters are seeking to shift from a punitive approach to a public health-focused one, a move supported by a majority of Americans.
MORE Act: Bill To End the Federal Criminalization of Cannabis Reintroduced in Congress
While the bill passed out of the House in December, it still faces a steep climb in the new Congress. And, all eyes remain on another, more comprehensive reform bill, expected soon.
Cannabis Bills Introduced in Congress So Far Focus On Veterans and Business
But, all eyes are on a bill to come from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer that is expected to be the most comprehensive cannabis reform legislation yet.
US House Again Passes Cannabis Banking Bill
While the House vote was expected, it remains less clear whether the Senate will pass the SAFE Banking Act, which would provide safe harbor to banks wanting to work with the cannabis industry.
Yet Another National Cannabis Group Has Formed
Just over three months into 2021, at least three powerful groups have formed to push Congress on cannabis legalization.
Lawmakers Push Urgency of Cannabis Banking Bill as Broader Reform Legislation Looms
The SAFE Banking Act, reintroduced this week, would expand the cannabis industry and move it away from a cash-only business, which lawmakers describe as a “public safety crisis.”
Cannabis Banking Bill Reintroduced in Congress
The bill offers a narrow fix for one of the cannabis industry’s biggest hurdles: access to banking. It does not address other areas of cannabis law reform, like expungement or equity.
New Congressional Bill Aims to Insure the Cannabis Industry
The cannabis industry has fielded business disasters, from fires to COVID-19, mostly without the types of insurance other businesses are afforded. That could change.
A New Cannabis Coalition Forms to Push Its Priorities in Congress
Today, there are more cannabis-focused groups than ever before. Now, coalitions are forming to unify those groups and to streamline cannabis conversations with Congress members.
A Narrow Window Opens for National Cannabis Reform
Major legislation has a chance to get through Congress, but will advocates push in the same direction?
Democrat-Controlled Senate a Win for Cannabis in Congress
A Republican-controlled Senate has proven to be a hurdle for cannabis legislation in Congress. Now that the Georgia runoff elections handed control to Democrats, the path has been cleared.
Senate Passes Cannabis Research Bill
This is not the same research bill passed in the House earlier this month. It is unclear whether the House will take up the Senate version in the days before Congress’ session ends.
US House Passes Bill to Expand Medical Cannabis Research
The bill expands the federal cannabis research supply and allows researchers to use cannabis from state-legal entities. It is the second cannabis bill the House has passed this month.
In Historic Vote, US House Passes MORE Act To End the Federal Criminalization of Cannabis
The bill would remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act and expunge some past convictions. Still, its path in the Republican-controlled Senate remains unclear.
Final House Committee Advances MORE Act, Full Floor Vote Expected Friday
The bill would remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act, thus ending the federal criminalization of cannabis.
Senate Spending Bills Include Cannabis and Hemp Language
The House passed its fiscal year 2021 budget bills this summer. The House included language about banking, while the Senate put an emphasis on hemp.