Federal bill would remove cannabis from controlled substances list

What does this do?

This bill would make it legal under federal law to possess, use, or sell cannabis. Past federal cannabis convictions would be automatically cleared, and pending federal cannabis cases would be dismissed. A new federal tax on cannabis sales, starting at 5% and rising to 8%, would fund job training, legal aid, and small business loans.

Who does it affect?

Anyone with a past federal cannabis conviction would be affected, as would people with open federal cannabis cases. Cannabis businesses, workers, and communities most impacted by past cannabis enforcement — particularly communities of color — would also be affected. Employers in transportation, aviation, and other safety-sensitive fields, as well as the federal government, could still require cannabis drug testing.

Why does it matter?

Removing cannabis from the federal controlled substances list changes what is and is not a federal crime. Tax revenue collected from cannabis sales would be directed to communities and individuals most harmed by decades of cannabis enforcement.

What does it cost, and who pays?

A federal tax starting at 5% and gradually rising to 8% of the sale price would be placed on cannabis products. Revenue from that tax would go into a special fund for job training, legal aid, and small business loans.

Where does it stand?