STATES Act
Contents
Exploring the STATES Act: Understanding Marijuana Legalization in the United States
Navigating the Complexities of State and Federal Marijuana Laws
What Is the STATES Act?
The STATES Act, introduced in 2018, aimed to empower individual states to determine their own marijuana laws without federal interference. While it didn't legalize cannabis federally, it sought to shield state-compliant businesses from federal prosecution.
Understanding the STATES Act
Marijuana's legal status is a hotly debated topic, with federal law classifying it as a Schedule I drug, while many states have legalized it to varying extents. The STATES Act aimed to bridge this gap by allowing states to enforce their own cannabis laws without fear of federal intervention.
Origins of the STATES Act
The Obama administration issued guidance to ease federal marijuana enforcement in states where it's legal. However, this was overturned by Jeff Sessions in 2018, prompting the need for the STATES Act to protect state-legal businesses from federal crackdowns.
The STATES Act Method
Rather than legalizing cannabis federally, the STATES Act recognized states' rights to regulate marijuana. It provided protections for individuals and businesses operating within state law, including provisions for age restrictions and tribal sovereignty.
Special Considerations
Despite bipartisan support, the STATES Act has yet to pass Congress. Efforts to attach it to other bills have been unsuccessful, but alternative legislation like the MORE Act and the SAFE Banking Act signal ongoing efforts to address conflicting marijuana laws.
Other Proposals
The MORE Act, passed by the House Judiciary Committee, aims to decriminalize marijuana at the federal level. Additionally, the SAFE Banking Act seeks to protect financial institutions serving state-legal cannabis businesses.