Cannabis Policy & Advocacy - Reform Campaigns & Legislation

Cannabis Policy & Advocacy

Track federal and state cannabis legislation, support reform campaigns, and take action to change laws. The fight for legalization isn't over—it's just beginning.

47 active bills tracked
346,000+ advocates
23 victories in 2025-2026

Policy Priorities

The most critical policy changes needed to create a just and equitable cannabis industry

Critical
Active Campaign

Federal Descheduling

Remove cannabis from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. This is the single most important policy change needed to end federal prohibition.

Impact

  • End federal criminalization
  • Allow interstate commerce
  • Enable banking access
  • Permit medical research
  • Expunge federal records
Campaign Progress45%
127,000 supporters
High
State-Level Campaigns

Expungement & Record Clearing

Automatic expungement of cannabis convictions in all legal states. Over 8 million Americans have cannabis arrest records that limit employment, housing, and opportunities.

Impact

  • Clear criminal records automatically
  • Restore voting rights
  • Remove employment barriers
  • Enable housing access
  • Reunite families
Campaign Progress62%
89,000 supporters
High
Implementation Phase

Social Equity Programs

Ensure communities harmed by prohibition benefit from legalization. Require equity licensing, reinvestment, and ownership opportunities.

Impact

  • Priority licensing for impacted communities
  • Low-interest loans and grants
  • Technical assistance programs
  • Community reinvestment funds
  • Ownership diversity requirements
Campaign Progress38%
76,000 supporters
High
Active Campaign

Worker Protections

Mandate labor standards, living wages, and organizing rights for cannabis workers. The industry must not replicate exploitation.

Impact

  • Living wage requirements
  • Health insurance mandates
  • Paid sick leave
  • Union organizing protections
  • Workplace safety standards
Campaign Progress28%
54,000 supporters

Active Federal Legislation

Track key cannabis bills in Congress

In Committee

S. 1782

Senate

Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act

Comprehensive federal legalization bill that would deschedule cannabis, expunge records, and establish social equity programs.

Sponsored by Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY)23 cosponsors
Referred to Finance CommitteeMarch 15, 2026
Passed House

H.R. 3617

House

Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act

Decriminalizes cannabis at federal level, expunges convictions, and creates reinvestment fund for communities impacted by war on drugs.

Sponsored by Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY)87 cosponsors
Passed House 220-204April 1, 2026
In Committee

S. 1028

Senate

SAFE Banking Act

Allows banks to serve cannabis businesses without federal penalty. Critical for industry safety and legitimacy.

Sponsored by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR)42 cosponsors
Hearing scheduledMarch 28, 2026
In Committee

H.R. 2093

House

Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act

Protects veterans' access to medical cannabis and allows VA doctors to recommend cannabis in legal states.

Sponsored by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)56 cosponsors
Referred to Veterans AffairsFebruary 12, 2026

State Implementation Tracker

How legal states are implementing cannabis programs

New York

Adult Use • Since 2021

Implementing
Implementation Progress45%

Key Issues

  • Slow licensing rollout
  • Equity program delays
  • Illicit market competition

California

Adult Use • Since 2016

Mature Market
Implementation Progress72%

Key Issues

  • High taxes
  • Regulatory complexity
  • Illicit market

Illinois

Adult Use • Since 2020

Implementing
Implementation Progress58%

Key Issues

  • Limited equity licenses
  • Corporate consolidation
  • High prices

Michigan

Adult Use • Since 2018

Mature Market
Implementation Progress68%

Key Issues

  • Local opt-outs
  • Oversupply
  • Price collapse

New Jersey

Adult Use • Since 2021

Early Implementation
Implementation Progress38%

Key Issues

  • Limited dispensaries
  • High demand
  • Equity concerns

Arizona

Adult Use • Since 2020

Mature Market
Implementation Progress64%

Key Issues

  • Corporate dominance
  • Worker rights
  • Medical access

Recent Victories

Policy wins from the past few months

March 2026

Connecticut Passes Worker Protections

Connecticut becomes first state to mandate living wages, health insurance, and union organizing rights for cannabis workers.

2,400 workers affected

February 2026

Maryland Automatic Expungement

Maryland clears 100,000+ cannabis convictions automatically, restoring rights and opportunities.

100,000+ records cleared

January 2026

Rhode Island Social Equity Licenses

Rhode Island awards 15 equity licenses with technical assistance and low-interest loans to communities impacted by prohibition.

15 equity businesses launched

Advocacy Toolkit

Resources to help you take action and make your voice heard

Contact Your Representatives

Find your elected officials and send messages supporting cannabis reform

Model Legislation Library

Download template bills for worker protections, equity programs, and more

Testimony Guide

Learn how to testify at hearings and make your voice heard

Organizing Toolkit

Resources for building coalitions and running local campaigns

Join the Movement

Policy change requires collective action. Sign up for advocacy alerts, join campaigns, and help us build a just and equitable cannabis industry.