Members of the U.S. House of Representatives have introduced the first comprehensive, Republican-led legislation to end the federal prohibition on cannabis. The States Reform Act would do the following:
- Decriminalize cannabis at the federal level and restore the proper balance of power between states and the federal government in this area.
- Establish a limited federal regulatory and tax structure that is pro-competitive and defers to current state market regulations.
- Properly balance the potential of cannabis as an innovative medical treatment with the need to keep cannabis out of the hands of minors.
- Provide pathways for individuals who were formally charged or convicted of marijuana offenses to secure a true second chance and rejoin their communities with dignity.
Americans for Prosperity supports the States Reform Act because:
- By establishing a modern regulatory framework, the bill will ensure that new entrepreneurs and small businesses can compete on a level playing field with large companies.
- Ending cannabis prohibition will allow law enforcement to focus on solving and preventing crimes during a time when cities across the country are facing an increase in multiple types of violent crime.
- Our country’s $46 billion annual investment in the War on Drugs has not solved the problem of harmful drug use, and we need a different approach that helps address the underlying causes of addictions more effectively without needlessly ruining millions of lives.
Almost 70 percent of Americans support legalizing marijuana, and over 90 percent now support allowing patients to access medical marijuana. It is time for Congress to restore a proper understanding of and allow them to make the best decisions for their citizens.
It’s time for a change in how our nation approaches cannabis prohibition. Sign the letter to decriminalize cannabis today.