Proposed Legislation Marks a Critical Step Toward Ending Criminalization and Repairing Harms from the War on Drugs

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Last Prisoner Project released a statement applauding the introduction of two bipartisan bills aimed at ending federal cannabis prohibition and preparing for a post-prohibition regulatory framework.

Reps. Dave Joyce (R-OH), Max Miller (R-OH) and Dina Titus (D-NV) announced on Thursday that they’ve filed the Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States (STATES) 2.0 Act. This bill would end federal marijuana prohibition in states that have legalized it, while providing for a basic federal regulatory framework for cannabis products.

Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) also introduced the Preparing Regulators Effectively for a Post-Prohibition Adult-Use Regulated Environment Act (PREPARE) Act, which is being sponsored by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY). This bill would direct the attorney general to create a commission charged with making recommendations on a regulatory system for cannabis that models what’s currently in place for alcohol.

“These bipartisan bills are a critical step forward toward ending the federal government’s failed war on cannabis,” said  Stephen Post, Strategic Communications Manager at the Last Prisoner Project. “By respecting the will of states, addressing regulatory uncertainty, and acknowledging the urgent need for reform, this legislation lays the groundwork for a smarter, fairer approach to cannabis policy. Going forward, we also urge lawmakers to ensure that federal cannabis legislation also include robust provisions for sentence modification, automatic record clearance and retroactive relief. Otherwise, we risk building this industry on the backs of those still suffering the consequences of outdated, unjust laws.”

The Last Prisoner Project urges lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to support these measures and continue working toward a more just and equitable post-prohibition future.

The Cannabis Unity Coalition, the largest bipartisan coalition of cannabis advocacy, industry, and grassroots organizations, is mobilizing for the Cannabis Unity Week of Action, taking place April 29th - May 1st, 2025, in Washington, D.C. This multi-day event will unite advocates, impacted individuals, and industry leaders to pressure Congress and the Trump administration to fully legalize cannabis and implement retroactive relief measures for those affected by prohibition-era policies. Click here to learn more.