As of April 2025, five cannabis-related bills have been introduced in the U.S. Congress. These measures aim to reshape marijuana policy through veterans’ healthcare reforms, tax legislation, regulatory preparedness, and federal protections for state-legal marijuana operations. Together, they mark a significant legislative push toward comprehensive cannabis reform.
STATES 2.0 Act
Filed by Representatives Dave Joyce (R-OH), Max Miller (R-OH), and Dina Titus (D-NV), the STATES 2.0 Act seeks to amend the Controlled Substances Act, ensuring that individuals and businesses compliant with state or tribal marijuana laws are shielded from federal enforcement. The bill also proposes allowing interstate cannabis commerce between legal jurisdictions and grants marijuana businesses access to standard federal tax deductions currently restricted under IRS Code 280E. It further outlines a framework for future federal marijuana regulation and taxation.
Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act
Introduced by Representative Greg Steube (R-FL), this legislation prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from denying benefits to veterans who participate in state-legal medical marijuana programs. It permits VA doctors to openly discuss cannabis use with patients, though it stops short of allowing physicians to issue formal recommendations.
Veterans Equal Access Act
Representative Brian Mast (R-FL) introduced this bill to allow VA doctors to provide written medical marijuana recommendations in states where such use is legal. This proposal would resolve a key access issue for veterans, permitting them to obtain state-issued cannabis cards through their VA physicians.
Key Differences Between the Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act and Veterans Equal Access Act:
| Feature | Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act | Veterans Equal Access Act |
|---|---|---|
| Protects Benefits | ✅ Prevents denial of benefits for cannabis use | ✅ Implicit in broader access goal |
| Doctor-Patient Discussions | ✅ Allows open conversations about cannabis | ✅ Allows and supports discussions |
| Medical Recommendations | ❌ Does not allow official recommendations | ✅ Permits VA doctors to issue them |
| Veteran Access to State Programs | ⚠️ Limited (must seek outside recommendation) | ✅ Full access via VA system |
No Deductions for Marijuana Businesses Act
Filed in both the House and Senate by Representative Nathaniel Moran (R-TX) and Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE), this bill aims to reinforce restrictions on cannabis businesses by denying them eligibility for tax deductions, even if marijuana is federally rescheduled. The measure is intended to preserve the effects of IRS Code 280E, drawing criticism from industry stakeholders who argue it unfairly burdens legal operators.
PREPARE Act
The Preparing Regulators Effectively for a Post-Prohibition Adult-Use Regulated Environment Act, sponsored by Representative Dave Joyce (R-OH) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), lays the groundwork for national cannabis legalization. It calls for a planning commission composed of industry representatives, public health experts, criminal justice reform advocates, and government officials. This body would help craft a comprehensive regulatory approach for a future interstate marijuana market.
These legislative efforts reflect a maturing approach to cannabis policy at the federal level, with lawmakers addressing both immediate healthcare concerns for veterans and long-term industry regulation. If enacted, these bills could collectively pave the way for a more uniform and inclusive federal cannabis framework.
