GOP Rep. Introduces Bill to Federally Legalize Cannabis

Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives introduced legislation on November 15 that would decriminalize cannabis at the federal level and regulate its use like alcohol.

Titled the States Reform Act, the Republican legislation would defer to state authorities on matters of prohibition and regulation.

Today, only 3 states lack some form of legal cannabis. My home state of South Carolina permits CBD, Florida allows medical marijuana, California and others have full recreational use, for example. Every state is different. Cannabis reform at the federal level must take all of this into account. And it’s past time federal law codifies this reality,” said Rep. Mace.“This is why I’m introducing the States Reform Act, a bill which seeks to remove cannabis from Schedule I in a manner consistent with the rights of states to determine what level of cannabis reform each state already has, or not.”

Mace’s bill would impose a 3% excise tax on cannabis, compared to an increasing Senate tax proposal that would top out at around 25%.

“The States Reform Act takes special care to keep Americans and their children safe while ending federal interference with state cannabis laws,” Mace stated. “Washington needs to provide a framework which allows states to make their own decisions on cannabis moving forward. This bill does that. “This bill supports veterans, law enforcement, farmers, businesses, those with serious illnesses, and it is good for criminal justice reform. Furthermore, a super-majority of Americans support an end to cannabis prohibition, which is why only 3 states in the country have no cannabis reform at all. “

The recreational use of marijuana is legal in 18 states and allowed medically in 36 states. But it remains illegal under federal law, which has deterred banks and other investors from involvement with companies that sell marijuana or related products.