Re-introducing the PREPARE Act: A Bi-Partisan Step Forward for Federal Cannabis Regulation

​On Thursday April 13th, a bipartisan bill for legal federal cannabis regulation was refiled in Congress.

Republican Representative from Ohio, Dave Joyce, and Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York submitted the PREPARE Act, which stands for: Preparing Regulators Effectively for a Post-Prohibition Adult-Use Regulated Environment.

In a press release, Representative Joyce said, “With nearly every state adopting its own set of cannabis reforms, an end to federal cannabis prohibition is inevitable.” “Now is the time for the federal government to respect the will of our constituents and begin the conversation on fair and effective cannabis regulation.”

The PREPARE Act is almost identical to an earlier version filed during the last session of Congress, with a few tweaks.

In general, the PREPARE Act would have a commission established who would study regulatory models for alcohol and then offer recommendations on how this could help set up a framework for similar cannabis regulations.

The commission would also look at the impact prohibition has had regarding crime, with an emphasis on any disproportionate minority community effect, along with the effect of inconsistent safety regulations from state to state, due to not having federal guidance. Additionally, the commission will also need to provide banking recommendations for the industry, as well as many more comprehensive subjects needed to prepare for a smooth transition to federal legalization.

With a Republican controlled House, it’s uncertain how well the bill will fare, but there are some legislatures who are optimistic.

Representative Jeffries said, “Americans across the political spectrum recognize that now is the time for cannabis reform, and the federal government should be ready to embrace and lead this change.” 

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