Politicians Tout Marijuana Policy Progress On 4/20 Amid Heightened Expectations About Federal Reform

Public officials across the U.S. are adding their voices to the chorus of marijuana reform supporters celebrating the cannabis holiday 4/20 on Saturday. That includes members of Congress, state legislators and even the president and vice president.

As mainstream brands and advocacy groups promote various campaigns that seek to leverage the popularity of the expanding reform movement, elected officials are touting their work to advance legalization and other policy changes around cannabis.

Saturday might be a time of celebration within the cannabis community, but politicians have increasingly used it as a platform to advocate for more reform as the issue gains more bipartisan support.

Officials at various levels of government are again playing into the culture and using 4/20 to talk about marijuana policy—underscoring how the legalization movement has helped shift cannabis from a controversial taboo to an accepted societal norm.

This year’s holiday also comes amid heightened expectations about federal marijuana reform, as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) works to complete a review into cannabis scheduling under President Joe Biden’s 2022 directive.

DEA is considered a recommendation from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which wouldn’t federally legalize marijuana, but industry stakeholders are eagerly anticipating the potential incremental reform nonetheless.

Advocates and congressional lawmakers have amplified their push for reform in the days leading up to 4/20, with calls to advance comprehensive legalization, as well as modest proposals to free up banks to work with state-legal marijuana businesses, for example.

For what it’s worth, Congressional Cannabis Caucus founding co-chair Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) predicts that this Saturday will be the “last 4/20 celebration that cannabis will be on Schedule I.”

Here’s what politicians are saying on 4/20 this year:

Members of Congress and national politicians

Sending people to prison just for possessing marijuana has upended too many lives and incarcerated people for conduct that many states no longer prohibit.

It’s time that we right these wrongs. pic.twitter.com/0avI1FmWf9

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) April 20, 2024

Nobody should have to go to jail for smoking weed.

We must continue to change our nation’s approach to marijuana while reforming the justice system so it finally lives up to its name. pic.twitter.com/AJFmexf8a3

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) April 20, 2024

Happy 420 pic.twitter.com/v5QDGa1s21

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) April 20, 2024

Legalizing marijuana won’t just get people out of jail and back to work — it can actually help solve America’s drug addiction problem.#Happy420#rfkjr#KennedyShanahan2024pic.twitter.com/JJfondiNEB

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) April 20, 2024

I was so proud to meet with the Marijuana Justice Coalition as we work to reintroduce the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act in the Senate!

We will not stop working together to end the federal prohibition on cannabis and reverse the harms of the War on Drugs. pic.twitter.com/2pQI0iJcVt

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) April 20, 2024

The failed War on Drugs continues to be a war on people. We need to pass comprehensive cannabis reform that includes restorative justice.

— Sen. Cory Booker (@SenBooker) April 20, 2024

Happy 4/20.

We need to legalize marijuana at the federal level.

— Sherrod Brown (@SherrodBrown) April 20, 2024

It’s not justice to lock up kids caught with an ounce of pot, while hedge fund managers make millions off of the legal sale of marijuana. It’s time for the federal government to legalize cannabis and tackle the legacy of unjust marijuana policy.

— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) April 20, 2024

Happy 4/20! Colorado made history and lit up the legal cannabis industry. We set the gold standard, and proved it could be done safely.    I have high hopes for federal legalization, and we won’t stop working until we get there.

— Senator John Hickenlooper (@SenatorHick) April 20, 2024

This 4/20, I’m celebrating the demise of Minnesota Republicans’ shell party, Legal Marijuana Now.

Thanks for nothing — and shoutout to the @MinnesotaDFL for legalization and expungement!

— Tina Smith (@TinaSmithMN) April 20, 2024

Currently, small cannabis biz's are forced to operate w/cash only, making them a serious public safety risk. We need to pass banking reforms like the #SAFEbankingAct, which has passed the House w/bipartisan support multiple times, to help legal cannabis biz's by getting them… pic.twitter.com/26XvZct7q8

— U.S. House Committee on Financial Services (@FSCDems) April 20, 2024

The best way to celebrate 4/20?

Legalizing #cannabis, expunging the records of those imprisoned for using or possessing marijuana, & investing in communities ravaged by the War on Drugs. pic.twitter.com/uz23cNugbP

— Rep. Barbara Lee (@RepBarbaraLee) April 21, 2024

4/20 is a great day to remember @DEAHQ is FINALLY reviewing softening federal #marijuana regs—but not without years of work from yours truly!#Cannabis shouldn't be Schedule 1. More like Schedule 420. I've worked for years to #LegalizeIt federally & won't stop until it's done. pic.twitter.com/TuDiMXW2nV

— Steve Cohen (@RepCohen) April 20, 2024

I'm one of the top advocates for #marijuana legalization in Congress. But on #420day let's remember: as some profit from legalization, thousands of Black men, women & families in my district still suffer from the failed "war on drugs". Legalization should come with justice.

— Steve Cohen (@RepCohen) April 20, 2024

It's no secret that public support for responsible cannabis reform has reached an all-time high. If members of Congress relied on their constituents rather than their personal opinion, they'd see the war over a plant isn't what people want. #StatesReformAct #420 pic.twitter.com/wtDR4rKEko

— Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) April 20, 2024

As a reminder: Our bill, the States Reform Act, a common-sense initiative puts states in the driver's seat when it comes to cannabis reform, it protects our kids and military veterans. It now sits in a drawer somewhere in the Capitol. #420https://t.co/zd7ym1eFdspic.twitter.com/hbok53Gxji

— Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) April 20, 2024

Cannabis justice is racial justice, economic justice, & restorative justice – and the time to act is NOW.

On this 4/20, we need to legalize marijuana, expunge records, & end the War on Drugs that has ravaged Black & brown communities. pic.twitter.com/e2sUCAKERe

— Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (@RepPressley) April 20, 2024

When it comes to cannabis justice and the War on Drugs, clemency must be part of the solution.@POTUS must use his clemency authority to end mass incarceration and set our communities on a pathway to healing. pic.twitter.com/mH9FPvLViu

— Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (@RepPressley) April 20, 2024

This #420day, remember, 🍃No one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana. 🍃The cannabis industry is good for our economy & should be equitable

I’m working to bring opportunities to the cannabis industry while helping those harmed by marijuana criminalization…

— Congressman Troy A. Carter (@RepTroyCarter) April 20, 2024

Happy 4/20 to all who celebrate. Today would be a great day for the Biden administration to fully deschedule & legalize marijuana, expunge records, and repair the harms of the failed war on drugs.

— Cori Bush (@CoriBush) April 20, 2024

Happy 4/20! 🌿 Today would be a great day to legalize marijuana, expunge all criminal records for marijuana offenses, & end the racist War on Drugs.

— Congresswoman Cori Bush (@RepCori) April 20, 2024

Good morning! Today would be a GREAT day to decriminalize and legalize marijuana and invest in the communities of color that have been disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs.

— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) April 20, 2024

Legalize cannabis nationwide and expunge records for cannabis-related offenses.

Let’s get it done.

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) April 20, 2024

It’s high time we legalize cannabis in the United States.

— Rep. Mark Pocan (@RepMarkPocan) April 20, 2024

Let’s be blunt: Sen. Romney’s letter questioning the rescheduling of marijuana doesn’t have a nugget of merit.

It hinges on an outdated court case and its logic implies Tylenol should be regulated under Schedule I.

It’s time for the DEA to deschedule marijuana.

— Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (@RepKamlagerDove) April 20, 2024

It's 4/20, and we are fighting back against the failed war on drugs. pic.twitter.com/B234x6krYF

— Val Hoyle (@RepValHoyle) April 20, 2024

State and local elected officials and political parties

New York is building the nation's most equitable cannabis industry — one that empowers veterans, women, Black & Brown New Yorkers, & those hurt by the war on drugs.   If you’re choosing to celebrate today, visit one of New York's 100+ legal dispensaries: https://t.co/nLcImliKampic.twitter.com/rZ9aFfbJTn

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) April 20, 2024

Rest assured on this 4/20, amidst recent federal seizures of cannabis from licensed distributors in New Mexico, that my administration is working on a strategy to protect New Mexico’s thriving cannabis industry.#cannabis#economyhttps://t.co/Im9HwCNJLy

— Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (@GovMLG) April 20, 2024

To be blunt: we’re proud to have sparked a new industry when we legalized adult-use cannabis.

— JB Pritzker (@JBPritzker) April 20, 2024

Happy canni-versary, New Jersey!

Tomorrow marks two years since the start of adult-use marijuana sales in New Jersey. Over the past year, we have proudly grown from just over 30 dispensaries to 130 dispensaries statewide. pic.twitter.com/9ernW5RfgU

— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) April 20, 2024

Happy 420, @SenWarrenLimmer. No one rolls like you do. pic.twitter.com/9dJEje08Vl

— Minnesota DFL Party (@MinnesotaDFL) April 20, 2024

Time to end cannabis prohibition! Free the 🌱. Happy 4/20 https://t.co/ymiCstsfyO

— Nikki Fried (@NikkiFried) April 20, 2024

Happy 420 day to all those who are celebrating! pic.twitter.com/wTHFOFF1MC

— L. Louise Lucas (@SenLouiseLucas) April 20, 2024

International politicians

Heute wünsche ich vor allem viel Freude beim Feiern des ersten legalen #420day! Ab morgen geht der Einsatz weiter für eine rasche Anpassung des THC-Grenzwertes für den Straßenverkehr und die Abgabe von #Cannabis in lizenzierten Fachgeschäften. pic.twitter.com/JUZJaUV10R

— Kirsten Kappert-Gonther (@KirstenKappert) April 20, 2024

Happy 4/20. Das ist der Anfang vom Ende der Stigmatisierung. #CanG

— Carmen Wegge (@CarmenWegge) April 19, 2024

Ahead Of 4/20 White House Says Biden Has Been ‘Very Clear’ In Supporting Marijuana Decriminalization, But Admin Is Awaiting DOJ Rescheduling Action

Republican Lawmakers File Bill To Tax And Regulate Marijuana As Alternative To Democratic Proposals

Several Republican members of Congress introduced a bill on Monday to federally legalize and tax marijuana as an alternative to pending far-reaching Democratic-led reform proposals and scaled-down GOP cannabis descheduling legislation.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) is sponsoring the bill—titled the States Reform Act—along with a handful of initial Republican cosponsors. It would end federal marijuana prohibition while taking specific steps to ensure that businesses in existing state markets can continue to operate unencumbered by changing federal rules.

Unlike more modest measures previously championed by some of Mace’s GOP colleagues, this legislation—an updated draft version of which was obtained by Marijuana Moment over the weekend—represents an attempt to bridge a partisan divide. It does that by incorporating certain equity provisions such as expungements for people with non-violent cannabis convictions and imposing an excise tax, revenue from which would support community reinvestment, law enforcement and Small Business Administration (SBA) activities.

“This bill supports veterans, law enforcement, farmers, businesses, those with serious illnesses, and it is good for criminal justice reform,” Mace said in a statement on Monday. “The States Reform Act takes special care to keep Americans and their children safe while ending federal interference with state cannabis laws.”

Today, I intro’d the #StatesReformAct a turnkey federal tax and regulate framework for existing state laws. SC has CBD, FL medical, CA adult-use; this bill allows these differences while protecting kids, vets, businesses and those w serious illness. WATCH https://t.co/F9SbPAwciJpic.twitter.com/maZLxlVa1Z

— Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) November 15, 2021

“Washington needs to provide a framework which allows states to make their own decisions on cannabis moving forward,” the congresswoman said. “This bill does that.”

Along with Mace, the bill is cosponsored by Reps. Tom McClintock (R-CA), Don Young (R-AK), Brian Mast (R-FL) and Peter Meijer (R-MI). Rep. Ken Buck’s (R-CO) name was listed on an earlier version of the bill that Marijuana Moment reviewed, but he appears to have removed himself prior to introduction.

“We’re getting a lot of great feedback from Republicans and Democrats on this bill,” Mace said at a press conference. “My main goal is to get as much Republican support as I can initially, and we’re hearing great feedback from both chambers, both sides of the aisle on this piece of legislation.”

Watch the press conference announcing the new legalization bill in the video below: 

Marijuana Moment first reported on an earlier draft version of the bill earlier this month, and it quickly became apparent that industry stakeholders see an opportunity in the Republican-led effort.

The reason for that response largely comes down to the fact that there’s skepticism that Democratic-led legalization bills will be able to pass without GOP buy-in. While Democrats hold majorities in both chambers, in addition to controlling the White House, the margins for passage are slim.

A Democratic-led bill to end prohibition and promote social equity did clear the House Judiciary Committee in September. And Senate leadership is preparing to file a separate legalization proposal after unveiling a draft version in July.

Weldon Angelos, an advocate who’s worked with Mace’s office on the legislation alongside partners at the Cannabis Freedom Alliance (CFA), told Marijuana Moment that a main objective of the bill is to facilitate a bipartisan conversation about what legalization should look like. And while there’s more he’d like to see done, particularly in the way of social equity provisions, the advocate feels this is a strong starting point.

“The whole idea behind the Cannabis Freedom Alliance wasn’t to have the Republicans steal this [issue] from the Democrats. Just so we’re clear, that’s not the reason behind this bill,” Angelos, who was pardoned by former President Donald Trump for a federal marijuana conviction, said. “The people behind the scenes, like my organization, just want to make this a reality. And we can’t get there without this step, which is this bill that’s been introduced by Congresswoman Nancy Mace.”

. #StatesReformAct will #EndCannabisProhibition at fed level, protect kids, & simply allow states to set their own #cannabis policy @PoliceForReform@weldon_angelos@ReasonFdn@AFPhq@RSI@EndItForGoodMS@sfliberty@NevadaPolicyRI@ConsumerChoiceC@RepNancyMace#LegalizeItpic.twitter.com/t4w9bubySO

— Cannabis Freedom Alliance (@CannabisFreedo1) November 15, 2021

Under the new Mace legalization bill, which is primarily aimed at having the federal government treat marijuana in a similar manner to alcohol, cannabis would be removed from the Controlled Substances Act, with retroactive effects for people previously punished.

Prior federal cannabis convictions would need to be expunged within one year. People affiliated with cartels or who have been convicted of driving under the influence would not be eligible for the relief, however. Mace’s office estimates that about 2,600 people will be released from federal incarceration under the provision.

Justin Strekal, political director of NORML, told Marijuana Moment that if the congresswoman and her allies follow through, “then we will have truly shifted the debate from a partisan ‘Do we legalize’ framework to a bipartisan ‘We will legalize marijuana and erase the criminal records of those who have suffered under criminalization.'”

There would be a 3 percent federal excise tax on cannabis under the bill. That’s somewhat less than the 3.75 percent included in an initial draft of Mace’s bill that Marijuana Moment reported on earlier this month, and is significantly lower than tax rates in Democrat-led marijuana bills.

The Treasury Department’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)—renamed as the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Tax and Trade Bureau—would be the chief regulator for marijuana with respect to interstate commerce and international trade. The agency would create a track and trace system for cannabis, and federal officials would be authorized to issue packaging and labelling requirements for products.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would be limited in its regulatory authority, with the intent being that it would have no more control over cannabis than it does for alcohol except when it comes to medical cannabis. The agency could prescribe serving sizes, certify designated state medical cannabis products and approve and regulate pharmaceuticals derived from marijuana, but could not ban the use of cannabis or its derivates in non-drug applications, like in designated state medical cannabis products, dietary supplements, foods, beverages, non-drug topicals or cosmetics.

Enforcement authority would be transferred from the Drug Enforcement Administration to a newly renamed Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Cannabis, Firearms and Explosives.

Raw cannabis would be considered an agricultural commodity regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The plant would be treated like the “component crops of alcohol beverages” such as barely, hops and grain, a summary from Mace’s office explains.

—Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,200 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.—

A federal permit would be required to operate a cannabis business, and certain past marijuana convictions could render someone ineligible to obtain it.

The legislation would grandfather existing state-licensed cannabis operators into the federal scheme to ensure continued patient access and incentivize participation in the legal market.

As federal agencies work to promulgate rules, there would be safe harbor provisions to protect patients and marijuana businesses acting in compliance with existing state laws.

Revenue from federal marijuana taxes would go to a newly created Law Enforcement Retraining and Successful Second Chances Fund, and distributed to programs under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act, the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program, the Community Oriented Policing Services Hiring program, a new Successful Second Chances program under the Small Business Administration (SBA), veterans mental health programs, state programs to combat opioid addiction and efforts to prevent youth cannabis use.

A national age limit of 21 would be set for legal recreational marijuana products, which would be enforced by withholding funds from any state that seeks to lower that age. The limit would not apply to medical cannabis. Advertisements targeting minors or that are misleading would be banned.

The Treasury Department would be required to conduct periodic studies on the characteristics of the cannabis industry and issue recommendations for improving regulations and tax administration. The Bureau of Labor Statistics would also be directed to regularly report data on marijuana industry ownership and employment.

Military veterans could not be discriminated against in hiring for federal positions due to cannabis consumption, and doctors at the Department of Veterans Affairs would be allowed to issue medical marijuana recommendations. People who left the military with other than honorable, bad conduct or dishonorable discharges solely for cannabis offenses would be entitled to an upgrade to a general discharge.

Federal agencies could continue drug testing employees for marijuana.

Cannabis business would become eligible for SBA loans and other relief.

The U.S. Trade Representative would be directed to send trade missions to other countries that have legalized cannabis imports and exports.

All references to “marijuana” or “marihuana” in federal laws and regulations would be changed to “cannabis.”

The bill is receiving early praise from across the political spectrum.

“The States Reform Act represents an opportunity for leaders in Congress to create stability and security for the American people,” Brent Gardner, chief government affairs officer for the Koch-backed Americans for Prosperity, said in a press release. “The failures of the War on Drugs are well-known and well-documented, and it is past time to move on from this misbegotten effort. Meanwhile, the developing cannabis industry cannot truly develop into an engine of entrepreneurship and second chances until cannabis sheds its uncertain federal legal status. This bill is a common-sense policy change that will create a free and fair regulatory system and ensure law enforcement is focused on preventing and solving serious crime.”

Lt. Diane Goldstein (Ret.), executive director of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP), told Marijuana Moment that “the States Reform Act is a terrific example of the federal bureaucracy finally catching up to what states are doing right.”

“It’s by no means a cure all, but it is a signal that our policy makers are taking a new, bipartisan, approach when it comes to setting drug policy for the country by following the science,” she said.

.@dianemgoldstein "Prohibition is a failed policy…[police] have seen how #decriminalization has allowed them to focus on real crime and improved relations with the communities they serve."

Read our full letter in support of the #StatesReformAct here: https://t.co/mtTEAAfOt9

— The Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP) (@PoliceForReform) November 15, 2021

Randal John Meyer, executive director of the Global Alliance for Cannabis Commerce (GACC), said that the bill’s introduction “is a historic moment for the cannabis industry, with major legislation now being introduced by members of both political parties.”

“The States Reform Act stands with the MORE Act and the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act as one of the truly comprehensive cannabis reform bills introduced in this Congress, and GACC is proud to support all three,” he said, referring to Democratic-led reform bills advancing in the House and Senate.

Strekal of NORML said “Representative Mace, along with multiple other Republicans, has put forward comprehensive and sensible legislation to repeal marijuana criminalization and this effort deserves serious consideration.”

“Between the previously passed MORE Act, the recent Senate proposal by Leader Schumer, and this new bill, it is truly a race to the top for the best ideas and smartest approaches to responsible reform,” he said.

Some advocates have pointed out areas where they would like to see the legislation amended.

“The States Reform Act should remove the disqualifying offenses based on cannabis consumption and sales and instead disqualify applicants who have engaged in corporate crimes or fraud,” Parabola Center’s Shaleen Title, a former Massachusetts cannabis regulator, told Marijuana Moment of the provisions concerning who can qualify for a federal marijuana permit.

Some Republicans have led, or joined their Democratic colleagues, on other marijuana bills, but they’ve generally been far more scaled back measures—simply protecting states that choose to legalize or descheduling cannabis without touching social equity issues or creating a federal tax on sales.

In any case, polling shows that the public is ready for an end to prohibition. Sixty-eight percent of U.S. adults said they back legalizing cannabis in a Gallup poll released this month—and that includes majorities of Democrats, Republicans and independents.

Yet, despite that support, President Joe Biden continues to oppose adult-use legalization. Instead, he’s supportive of more modest proposals to federally decriminalize cannabis, legalize the plant for medical use and let states set their own policies.

Whether he’d sign any Democratic- or Republican-led legalization bill is an open question.

While the president is personally against comprehensively ending prohibition, the Congressional Research Service released a report this month explaining steps he and his administration could take to repair the harms of cannabis criminalization.

Read the text of the Mace legalization bill below: 

Click to access statesreformact.pdf

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Image element courtesy of Tim Evanson.