Lawmakers in the U.S. Senate have reintroduced the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity (CAO) Act, spearheaded by a coalition of Democrats including Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Sen. Ron Wyden, and Sen. Cory Booker. The bill aims to dismantle the federal prohibition of cannabis and prioritize safety, research, workers’ rights, and restorative justice.
Sen. Schumer emphasized the urgency for federal policies to align with public sentiment, stating, “It’s past time for the federal government to catch up to the attitudes of the American people when it comes to cannabis.” The CAO Act, initially proposed in 2022, proposes significant measures such as removing cannabis from the federal drug schedule, expunging federal non-violent cannabis offenses, and establishing a grant program to support individuals affected by cannabis prohibition.
Sen. Booker highlighted the potential of the CAO Act to promote equity in the criminal justice system and enhance public safety through its comprehensive approach.
The reintroduction of the bill follows recent reports indicating the DEA’s intention to reschedule cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. Additionally, Gallup polls have consistently shown strong public support for cannabis legalization, with 70% of American adults expressing their backing for adult-use cannabis.
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