RE:RE:Schumer’s Bill was just filed this morningTide has turned --->
US Cannabis Council Statement on CAO Act Introduction in the Senate
Group welcomes hearings on comprehensive reform and continues to press for action on cannabis banking and expungement
July 21, 2022
Following introduction of the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sens. Cory Booker and Ron Wyden, US Cannabis Council CEO Steven Hawkins released the following statement:
“The US Cannabis Council welcomes today’s introduction of the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAO Act) in the Senate. The introduction of comprehensive cannabis reform legislation in the Senate, by none less than the Majority Leader himself, is the strongest sign yet that cannabis prohibition in America is nearing its end.
“We applaud the authors of the CAO Act for their leadership and vision. We are reviewing the updated legislative text and look forward to having substantive discussions on how to best transition away from the illicit market to a fully regulated, national market with opportunities for all.
“Last September, we shared detailed comments on the public draft of the CAO Act, including our specific concerns about key aspects of the legislation. The US Cannabis Council still shares those concerns and believes it is critical to get the details right on America’s transition to legal, fully regulated cannabis. We welcome robust hearings in the coming days that fully consider key concerns around regulation, taxation, equity and responsible use.
“The detailed policy conversations happening around the CAO Act should not distract us from its historic nature. At the same time, the ambitious and sweeping nature of the bill should not distract Congress from advancing limited yet critical reforms, such as expungement and the SAFE Banking Act, that are immediately within reach.”