Amash Introduces Bill To Prevent Feds From Interfering in Legal State Cannabis Programs

The federal government wouldn’t be able to interfere with state laws that have legalized cannabis if legislation filed by U.S. Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan becomes law. 

The bill, introduced in Congress Monday, is the first proposed by Amash since he announced earlier this month he is leaving the Republican Party to serve in Congress as an independent.

Amash, a conservative propelled into Congress by the 2010 tea party wave, has supported states’ rights to legalize marijuana in the past, including co-sponsoring legislation by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, a Hawaii Democrat, to remove cannabis from the federal Controlled Substances schedule. 

Benzinga's Cannabis Capital Conference heads to Detroit on Aug. 15 — click here to learn more!

Amash’s measure would would protect anyone using, possessing, growing, selling or otherwise involved with cannabis who is doing it legally under their state law.

It mirrors other legislation already filed in Congress that prevents federal interference with state marijuana laws, but removes requirements for federal studies of the legalization of marijuana.

Measures that would keep the Justice Department from interfering in legal state cannabis programs are also part of a budget bill in Congress, but if passed, that law would only be in effect for one year. 

Related Links: 

Congressional Bills Would Allow Interstate Cannabis Transport, End Conviction Deportations, Boost Research

Federal Measures To Protect Cannabis Users In Legal States Head To House Floor

Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs
Comments
Loading...
Posted In: CannabisPoliticsMarketsGeneralCongressJustin Amashmarijuana reformTulsi Gabbard
Benzinga simplifies the market for smarter investing

Trade confidently with insights and alerts from analyst ratings, free reports and breaking news that affects the stocks you care about.

Join Now: Free!
CCC-Oct-24-Banner-1

Click on the image for more info.

Cannabis rescheduling seems to be right around the corner

Want to understand what this means for the future of the industry?

Hear directly for top executives, investors and policymakers at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, coming to Chicago this Oct. 8-9. 

Get your tickets now before prices surge by following this link.