The end of cannabis prohibition in the United States may be closer than ever before, thanks to a bipartisan bill reintroduced in the U.S. House. The Preparing Regulators Effectively for a Post-Prohibition Adult Use Regulated Environment (PREPARE) Act is sponsored by Republican Rep. Dave Joyce (OH) and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY).
The proposed legislation seeks to create a fair and transparent process for establishing effective regulations for the termination of the 86-year-long federal prohibition of cannabis. The bill directs the Attorney General to establish the Commission on the Federal Regulation of Cannabis to advise on the development of a regulatory framework modeled after federal and state alcohol regulatory frameworks.
One of the key goals of the PREPARE Act is to ensure the safe production and consumption of cannabis. The legislation directs federal regulators to develop a regulatory and revenue framework that would account for the unique needs, rights, and laws of each state, and present such a framework to Congress within one year.
The PREPARE Act also aims to remedy the unjust consequences of the war on cannabis, particularly those suffered by minority, low-income, and veteran communities. The proposed legislation would help grant medical professionals critical research access and training, develop protections for the hemp industry, and ensure that absent the physician-prescribed treatment of a minor, cannabis remains an adult-only product.
The reintroduction of the PREPARE Act is a significant milestone for federal cannabis reform in the U.S. Congress. The proposal builds on the efforts of previous administrations to address the negative consequences of cannabis prohibition and paves the way for a fair and responsible end to prohibition.
Supporters of the bill, including Joyce and Jeffries, believe that the end of federal cannabis prohibition is inevitable. They argue that now is the time for the federal government to respect the will of constituents and begin the conversation on fair and effective cannabis regulation.
The PREPARE Act is just one of several bills introduced this year to end federal cannabis prohibition. The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act and the Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act are among the other proposals currently under consideration by Congress.
As momentum for federal cannabis reform continues to grow, the PREPARE Act offers hope for a future in which the production, sale, and consumption of cannabis are regulated safely and responsibly. The bill has the potential to create a brighter and more equitable future for communities across the United States.
Stay up-to-date with the latest cannabis news and industry insights by subscribing to NECANN
