**Why it matters:**
Republican U.S. Representative David Joyce of Ohio plans to introduce a new bill called the STATES 2.0 Act, which would legalize cannabis at the federal level. The legislation aims to remove cannabis from Schedule I of the federal Controlled Substances Act and would allow states to determine their own cannabis policies.
**What they are saying:**
Joyce argues that states and Native American tribes have expressed a need for the federal government to support their cannabis laws. Joyce’s bill would give states the authority to decide whether to legalize or maintain marijuana prohibition within their jurisdictions.
**The big picture:**
Despite the growing popularity of cannabis legalization, some political leaders in certain states prefer to keep recreational marijuana illegal. Joyce’s bill takes a state-rights approach, allowing each state to make its own determination on cannabis policy. The bill also outlines the role of federal agencies in regulating cannabis and proposes a federal excise tax to fund these activities. The legislation also addresses issues such as interstate trade of cannabis and the tax burden on the industry.
**What to watch:**
Observers will be watching whether Joyce’s bill gains support in Congress, particularly among lawmakers who are currently against marijuana reform. The bill’s focus on states’ rights and its potential to appeal to opponents of legalization could make it more politically viable.
**My take:**
Joyce’s proposed legislation represents a promising step towards resolving the federal-state conflict on cannabis. By allowing states to set their own cannabis policies, the bill addresses the concerns of both pro-legalization and anti-legalization states. It remains to be seen whether the bill will gain traction in Congress, but its focus on state rights could make it more appealing to lawmakers across the political spectrum. Overall, the STATES 2.0 Act could be a significant development for the responsible growth and development of the legal cannabis market.
