{"id":51156,"date":"2021-11-15T07:48:17","date_gmt":"2021-11-15T15:48:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/2021\/11\/15\/republican-lawmakers-file-bill-to-tax-and-regulate-marijuana-as-alternative-to-democratic-proposals\/"},"modified":"2021-11-15T13:45:56","modified_gmt":"2021-11-15T21:45:56","slug":"republican-lawmakers-file-bill-to-tax-and-regulate-marijuana-as-alternative-to-democratic-proposals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/2021\/11\/15\/republican-lawmakers-file-bill-to-tax-and-regulate-marijuana-as-alternative-to-democratic-proposals\/","title":{"rendered":"Republican Lawmakers File Bill To Tax And Regulate Marijuana As Alternative To Democratic Proposals"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

Several Republican members of Congress introduced a bill on Monday to federally legalize and tax marijuana as an alternative to pending far-reaching Democratic-led reform proposals and scaled-down GOP cannabis descheduling legislation.<\/p>\n

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) is sponsoring the bill\u2014titled the States Reform Act\u2014along with a handful of initial Republican cosponsors. It would end federal marijuana prohibition while taking specific steps to ensure that businesses in existing state markets can continue to operate unencumbered by changing federal rules.<\/p>\n

Unlike more modest measures previously championed by some of Mace\u2019s GOP colleagues, this legislation\u2014an updated draft version of which was obtained by Marijuana Moment over the weekend\u2014represents an attempt to bridge a partisan divide. It does that by incorporating certain equity provisions such as expungements for people with non-violent cannabis convictions and imposing an excise tax, revenue from which would support community reinvestment, law enforcement and Small Business Administration (SBA) activities.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis bill supports veterans, law enforcement, farmers, businesses, those with serious illnesses, and it is good for criminal justice reform,\u201d Mace said in a statement on Monday. \u201cThe States Reform Act takes special care to keep Americans and their children safe while ending federal interference with state cannabis laws.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

Today, I intro\u2019d the #StatesReformAct<\/a> a turnkey federal tax and regulate framework for existing state laws. SC has CBD, FL medical, CA adult-use; this bill allows these differences while protecting kids, vets, businesses and those w serious illness. WATCH https:\/\/t.co\/F9SbPAwciJ<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/maZLxlVa1Z<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) November 15, 2021<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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\u201cWashington needs to provide a framework which allows states to make their own decisions on cannabis moving forward,\u201d the congresswoman said. \u201cThis bill does that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Along with Mace, the bill is cosponsored by Reps. Tom McClintock (R-CA), Don Young (R-AK), Brian Mast (R-FL) and Peter Meijer (R-MI). Rep. Ken Buck\u2019s (R-CO) name was listed on an earlier version of the bill that Marijuana Moment reviewed, but he appears to have removed himself prior to introduction.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re getting a lot of great feedback from Republicans and Democrats on this bill,\u201d Mace said at a press conference. \u201cMy main goal is to get as much Republican support as I can initially, and we\u2019re hearing great feedback from both chambers, both sides of the aisle on this piece of legislation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Watch the press conference announcing the new legalization bill in the video below:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Marijuana Moment first reported on an earlier draft version of the bill<\/a> earlier this month, and it quickly became apparent that industry stakeholders see an opportunity in the Republican-led effort.<\/p>\n

The reason for that response largely comes down to the fact that there\u2019s skepticism that Democratic-led legalization bills will be able to pass without GOP buy-in. While Democrats hold majorities in both chambers, in addition to controlling the White House, the margins for passage are slim.<\/p>\n

A Democratic-led bill to end prohibition and promote social equity did clear the House Judiciary Committee in September<\/a>. And Senate leadership is preparing to file a separate legalization proposal<\/a> after unveiling a draft version in July.<\/p>\n

Weldon Angelos, an advocate who\u2019s worked with Mace\u2019s office on the legislation alongside partners at the Cannabis Freedom Alliance (CFA), told Marijuana Moment that a main objective of the bill is to facilitate a bipartisan conversation about what legalization should look like. And while there\u2019s more he\u2019d like to see done, particularly in the way of social equity provisions, the advocate feels this is a strong starting point.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe whole idea behind the Cannabis Freedom Alliance wasn\u2019t to have the Republicans steal this [issue] from the Democrats. Just so we\u2019re clear, that\u2019s not the reason behind this bill,\u201d Angelos, who was pardoned by former President Donald Trump for a federal marijuana conviction<\/a>, said. \u201cThe people behind the scenes, like my organization, just want to make this a reality. And we can\u2019t get there without this step, which is this bill that\u2019s been introduced by Congresswoman Nancy Mace.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

. #StatesReformAct<\/a> will #EndCannabisProhibition<\/a> at fed level, protect kids, & simply allow states to set their own #cannabis<\/a> policy @PoliceForReform<\/a> @weldon_angelos<\/a> @ReasonFdn<\/a> @AFPhq<\/a> @RSI<\/a> @EndItForGoodMS<\/a> @sfliberty<\/a> @NevadaPolicyRI<\/a> @ConsumerChoiceC<\/a> @RepNancyMace<\/a> #LegalizeIt<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/t4w9bubySO<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Cannabis Freedom Alliance (@CannabisFreedo1) November 15, 2021<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Under the new Mace legalization bill<\/a>, which is primarily aimed at having the federal government treat marijuana in a similar manner to alcohol, cannabis would be removed from the Controlled Substances Act, with retroactive effects for people previously punished.<\/p>\n

Prior federal cannabis convictions would need to be expunged within one year. People affiliated with cartels or who have been convicted of driving under the influence would not be eligible for the relief, however. Mace\u2019s office estimates that about 2,600 people will be released from federal incarceration under the provision.<\/p>\n

Justin Strekal, political director of NORML, told Marijuana Moment that if the congresswoman and her allies follow through, \u201cthen we will have truly shifted the debate from a partisan \u2018Do we legalize\u2019 framework to a bipartisan \u2018We will legalize marijuana and erase the criminal records of those who have suffered under criminalization.’\u201d<\/p>\n

There would be a 3 percent federal excise tax on cannabis under the bill. That\u2019s somewhat less than the 3.75 percent included in an initial draft of Mace\u2019s bill that Marijuana Moment reported on earlier this month, and is significantly lower than tax rates in Democrat-led marijuana bills.<\/p>\n

The Treasury Department\u2019s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)\u2014renamed as the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Tax and Trade Bureau\u2014would be the chief regulator for marijuana with respect to interstate commerce and international trade. The agency would create a track and trace system for cannabis, and federal officials would be authorized to issue packaging and labelling requirements for products.<\/p>\n

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would be limited in its regulatory authority, with the intent being that it would have no more control over cannabis than it does for alcohol except when it comes to medical cannabis. The agency could prescribe serving sizes, certify designated state medical cannabis products and approve and regulate pharmaceuticals derived from marijuana, but could not ban the use of cannabis or its derivates in non-drug applications, like in designated state medical cannabis products, dietary supplements, foods, beverages, non-drug topicals or cosmetics.<\/p>\n

Enforcement authority would be transferred from the Drug Enforcement Administration to a newly renamed Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Cannabis, Firearms and Explosives.<\/p>\n

Raw cannabis would be considered an agricultural commodity regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The plant would be treated like the \u201ccomponent crops of alcohol beverages\u201d such as barely, hops and grain, a summary from Mace\u2019s office explains.<\/p>\n

\u2014
\nMarijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,200 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills<\/a> in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters<\/a> pledging at least $25\/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don\u2019t miss any developments.
\n\"\"<\/a>
\nLearn more about our marijuana bill tracker<\/a> and become a supporter on Patreon<\/a> to get access.
\n\u2014<\/strong><\/p>\n

A federal permit would be required to operate a cannabis business, and certain past marijuana convictions could render someone ineligible to obtain it.<\/p>\n

The legislation would grandfather existing state-licensed cannabis operators into the federal scheme to ensure continued patient access and incentivize participation in the legal market.<\/p>\n

As federal agencies work to promulgate rules, there would be safe harbor provisions to protect patients and marijuana businesses acting in compliance with existing state laws.<\/p>\n

Revenue from federal marijuana taxes would go to a newly created Law Enforcement Retraining and Successful Second Chances Fund, and distributed to programs under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act, the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program, the Community Oriented Policing Services Hiring program, a new Successful Second Chances program under the Small Business Administration (SBA), veterans mental health programs, state programs to combat opioid addiction and efforts to prevent youth cannabis use.<\/p>\n

A national age limit of 21 would be set for legal recreational marijuana products, which would be enforced by withholding funds from any state that seeks to lower that age. The limit would not apply to medical cannabis. Advertisements targeting minors or that are misleading would be banned.<\/p>\n

The Treasury Department would be required to conduct periodic studies on the characteristics of the cannabis industry and issue recommendations for improving regulations and tax administration. The Bureau of Labor Statistics would also be directed to regularly report data on marijuana industry ownership and employment.<\/p>\n

Military veterans could not be discriminated against in hiring for federal positions due to cannabis consumption, and doctors at the Department of Veterans Affairs would be allowed to issue medical marijuana recommendations. People who left the military with other than honorable, bad conduct or dishonorable discharges solely for cannabis offenses would be entitled to an upgrade to a general discharge.<\/p>\n

Federal agencies could continue drug testing employees for marijuana.<\/p>\n

Cannabis business would become eligible for SBA loans and other relief.<\/p>\n

The U.S. Trade Representative would be directed to send trade missions to other countries that have legalized cannabis imports and exports.<\/p>\n

All references to \u201cmarijuana\u201d or \u201cmarihuana\u201d in federal laws and regulations would be changed to \u201ccannabis.\u201d<\/p>\n

The bill is receiving early praise from across the political spectrum.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe States Reform Act represents an opportunity for leaders in Congress to create stability and security for the American people,\u201d Brent Gardner, chief government affairs officer for the Koch-backed Americans for Prosperity, said in a press release. \u201cThe failures of the War on Drugs are well-known and well-documented, and it is past time to move on from this misbegotten effort. Meanwhile, the developing cannabis industry cannot truly develop into an engine of entrepreneurship and second chances until cannabis sheds its uncertain federal legal status. This bill is a common-sense policy change that will create a free and fair regulatory system and ensure law enforcement is focused on preventing and solving serious crime.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lt. Diane Goldstein (Ret.), executive director of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP), told Marijuana Moment that \u201cthe States Reform Act is a terrific example of the federal bureaucracy finally catching up to what states are doing right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s by no means a cure all, but it is a signal that our policy makers are taking a new, bipartisan, approach when it comes to setting drug policy for the country by following the science,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\n

.@dianemgoldstein<\/a> “Prohibition is a failed policy\u2026[police] have seen how #decriminalization<\/a> has allowed them to focus on real crime and improved relations with the communities they serve.”<\/p>\n

Read our full letter in support of the #StatesReformAct<\/a> here: https:\/\/t.co\/mtTEAAfOt9<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 The Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP) (@PoliceForReform) November 15, 2021<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Randal John Meyer, executive director of the Global Alliance for Cannabis Commerce (GACC), said that the bill\u2019s introduction \u201cis a historic moment for the cannabis industry, with major legislation now being introduced by members of both political parties.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe States Reform Act stands with the MORE Act and the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act as one of the truly comprehensive cannabis reform bills introduced in this Congress, and GACC is proud to support all three,\u201d he said, referring to Democratic-led reform bills advancing in the House and Senate.<\/p>\n

Strekal of NORML said \u201cRepresentative Mace, along with multiple other Republicans, has put forward comprehensive and sensible legislation to repeal marijuana criminalization and this effort deserves serious consideration.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBetween the previously passed MORE Act, the recent Senate proposal by Leader Schumer, and this new bill, it is truly a race to the top for the best ideas and smartest approaches to responsible reform,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Some advocates have pointed out areas where they would like to see the legislation amended.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe States Reform Act should remove the disqualifying offenses based on cannabis consumption and sales and instead disqualify applicants who have engaged in corporate crimes or fraud,\u201d Parabola Center\u2019s Shaleen Title, a former Massachusetts cannabis regulator, told Marijuana Moment of the provisions concerning who can qualify for a federal marijuana permit.<\/p>\n

Some Republicans have led, or joined their Democratic colleagues, on other marijuana bills, but they\u2019ve generally been far more scaled back measures\u2014simply protecting states that choose to legalize or descheduling cannabis without touching social equity issues or creating a federal tax on sales.<\/p>\n

In any case, polling shows that the public is ready for an end to prohibition. Sixty-eight percent of U.S. adults said they back legalizing cannabis\u00a0in a Gallup poll released this month<\/a>\u2014and that includes majorities of Democrats, Republicans and independents.<\/p>\n

Yet, despite that support, President Joe Biden continues to oppose adult-use legalization. Instead, he\u2019s supportive of more modest proposals to federally decriminalize cannabis, legalize the plant for medical use and let states set their own policies.<\/p>\n

Whether he\u2019d sign any Democratic- or Republican-led legalization bill is an open question.<\/p>\n

While the president is personally against comprehensively ending prohibition, the Congressional Research Service released a report this month explaining steps he and his administration could take<\/a>\u00a0to repair the harms of cannabis criminalization.<\/p>\n

Read the text of the Mace legalization bill below:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Click to access statesreformact.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

Biden\u2019s FDA Pick Prescribed Cannabinoid Medicine And Recognized Marijuana\u2019s Therapeutic Potential<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Image element courtesy of Tim Evanson<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

The post Republican Lawmakers File Bill To Tax And Regulate Marijuana As Alternative To Democratic Proposals<\/a> appeared first on Marijuana Moment<\/a>.<\/p>\n


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Several Republican members of Congress introduced a bill on Monday to federally legalize and tax marijuana as an alternative to pending far-reaching Democratic-led reform proposals and scaled-down GOP cannabis descheduling legislation. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) is sponsoring the bill\u2014titled the States Reform Act\u2014along with a handful of initial Republican cosponsors.Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":458,"featured_media":51157,"comment_status":"false","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[18,81],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51156"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/458"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=51156"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51156\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":51158,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51156\/revisions\/51158"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/51157"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=51156"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=51156"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=51156"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}