GOP Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA) Signs On as Newest Sponsor of STATES 2.0 Act, Which Would End Federal Marijuana Prohibition in Legal States

The STATES 2.0 Act, reintroduced earlier this year by Representatives Dave Joyce (R-OH), Max Miller (R-OH) and Dina Titus (D-NV), would effectively end federal marijuana prohibition in states and tribal territories that have legalized the substance. It would amend the Controlled Substances Act to ensure that individuals and businesses operating in compliance with state or tribal marijuana laws are protected from federal interference. Along with safeguarding state-legal marijuana activity, the proposal would authorize interstate marijuana commerce between consenting legal states, revise federal tax code to allow marijuana businesses to be treated like other lawful industries, and create a framework for federal regulation and taxation.

The legislation also directs the U.S. Attorney General to issue a rule within 180 days of enactment to formally exclude qualifying state and tribal marijuana programs from federal prohibition.

Prior to Newhouse joining as a sponsor, the most recent addition to the bill’s list of supporters was Representative Brian Mast (R-FL), who signed on last month.