As of mid-2025, momentum for federal cannabis legalization in the United States is intensifying, driven by a coalition of bipartisan lawmakers, industry stakeholders, and advocacy groups. Despite facing political hurdles and opposition, these entities are actively working to reshape national cannabis policy.
Legislative Initiatives
The PREPARE Act
On April 17, 2025, Representatives Dave Joyce (R-OH) and Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) reintroduced the Preparing Regulators Effectively for a Post-Prohibition Adult Use Regulated Environment (PREPARE) Act. This bipartisan bill aims to establish a federal regulatory framework for cannabis, facilitating a smooth transition from state-level legalization to a cohesive national policy. The legislation seeks to gather input from experts to guide the development of federal regulations in anticipation of eventual legalization. Read More here: Cannabis Business Times
The Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA)
In the Senate, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), along with Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), introduced the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA) on May 1, 2024. This comprehensive bill proposes to decriminalize and to deschedule cannabis at the federal level, expunge certain cannabis offenses, and invest in communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs.
The STATES 2.0 Act
The Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States (STATES) 2.0 Act, reintroduced in April 2025, aims to empower states to determine their own cannabis policies without federal interference. This legislation seeks to amend the Controlled Substances Act to exempt individuals and corporations in compliance with state cannabis laws from federal enforcement.
Advocacy and Industry Support
U.S. Cannabis Roundtable
In early 2025, the U.S. Cannabis Council and the National Cannabis Roundtable merged to form the U.S. Cannabis Roundtable. This unified advocacy group represents over 450,000 employees and 13,000 dispensaries across 38 states. Led by Charlie Bachtell of Cresco Labs, the Roundtable focuses on lobbying for the reclassification of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III and the passage of the SAFER Banking Act, which would provide cannabis businesses with access to financial services. Read More: MarketWatch
Marijuana Policy Project (MPP)
The Marijuana Policy Project continues to be a leading advocate for cannabis reform, working to end prohibition, promote fairness, and boost local economies through policy changes. MPP supports various legislative efforts and provides resources for individuals to engage in advocacy at both state and federal levels. Read More: MPP
National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA)
As the oldest and largest national trade association for the cannabis industry, the NCIA represents a wide array of businesses and professionals. The organization advocates for policies that benefit responsible cannabis businesses, including efforts to end prohibition, improve banking access, and reform tax codes affecting the industry. Read More: NCIA
Marijuana Justice Coalition
Convened by the Drug Policy Alliance, the Marijuana Justice Coalition is a broad coalition of national advocacy organizations focused on federal marijuana reform through a racial and economic justice lens. The coalition aims to address the disproportionate harm faced by Black, brown, and low-income communities due to cannabis prohibition. Read More: Drug Policy Alliance
Challenges and Opposition
Despite growing public support for cannabis reform, opposition remains. Anti-legalization groups have gained traction at the state level, with efforts to prevent or reverse cannabis legalization initiatives. In November 2024, for instance, three out of four states with legalization initiatives on the ballot voted against legalization, including Florida, where the measure failed to meet the required 60% threshold. Read More: Reuters
Additionally, some lawmakers continue to resist changes to federal cannabis policy. Representative Jodey Arrington (R-TX) introduced legislation to maintain tax restrictions on cannabis businesses, even if cannabis is rescheduled, highlighting ongoing challenges in achieving comprehensive reform. Read More: Dentons
A Push Forward
The push for federal cannabis legalization in 2025 is marked by significant legislative efforts, robust advocacy from industry groups, and increasing public support. While challenges persist, the coordinated actions of lawmakers, organizations, and stakeholders indicate a concerted effort to reshape the nation’s cannabis policies toward a more equitable and regulated framework.
