As federal cannabis legalization gains unprecedented momentum in the U.S. Senate, a new group of more than 40 prominent companies and advocacy groups has coalesced to support the cause.
WeedWeek
- The United States Cannabis Council (USCC) aims to lead a unified push for legalization and “avoid the fragmentation that has plagued us before,” said interim CEO Steven Hawkins, who is also executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project
The group calls for 1) Descheduling cannabis 2) “Social justice and equity” and 3) a “sound regulatory environment” for the industry.
- The particulars of what regulation ends up looking like in terms of taxes, interstate trade and numerous other policy areas are questions worth billions to USCC’s members, which include several of the country’s largest cannabis companies.
- In interviews, Hawkins has revealed few details about the group’s specific regulatory priorities, or where there may be differences within the coalition.
Meanwhile, Senate watchers say a bill to end federal prohibition could emerge within weeks. Marijuana Moment talked to legalization supporters who met with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D.-N.Y.) to discuss the forthcoming bill.
