April 17, 2025

 

CPEAR Applauds Reintroduction of STATES 2.0 Act, Urges Common-Sense Cannabis Reform Rooted in Federalism

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation (CPEAR) applauded the reintroduction of the Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States (STATES) 2.0 Act by U.S. Representatives by U.S. Representatives Dave Joyce (OH-14), Max Miller (OH-07), and Dina Titus (NV-01). This legislation offers a bipartisan, common-sense solution to the growing challenges posed by conflicting federal and state cannabis laws—without legalizing cannabis nationwide.

“CPEAR applauds the reintroduction of the STATES 2.0 Act by U.S. Representative Dave Joyce,” said CPEAR’s executive director, Shanita Penny. “Congress has an opportunity to get this right for all 50 states by helping each to succeed in the policies they choose. Currently, a confusing patchwork of state and federal cannabis laws is undermining public safety, stifling economic growth, and leaving patients, veterans, small business owners, and law enforcement in legal limbo. The STATES 2.0 Act changes that—bringing clarity, consistency, and accountability to all stakeholders.”

Instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all approach, the STATES 2.0 Act restores the rights of individual states to craft cannabis policies that work best for their residents. The bill does not legalize cannabis. It regulates it—by ensuring that where states have chosen to legalize cannabis, those laws are respected at the federal level.

Polling confirms strong, bipartisan support for this approach. A March 2025 national survey conducted by Fabrizio, Lee & Associates—one of the nation’s most trusted Republican polling firms—found that:

  • 72% of GOP voters support a states’ rights cannabis bill that lets states decide their own cannabis laws without federal interference.
  • 66% of all registered voters support legal cannabis for adult use, including 53% of Republicans and a majority of voters aged 65+.
  • Support for this state-led approach is strongest among younger voters and still maintains a commanding +39 margin among seniors.

“As conservatives, we believe in local control,” said Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR), CPEAR Co-Chair and former House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman. “The STATES 2.0 Act is the right bill at the right time. It cuts through the noise and offers real clarity for law enforcement, business owners, and voters alike.”

“For too long, Congress has stood still while states and their citizens moved forward,” noted Sen. Tom Daschle, CPEAR Co-Chair and former Senate Majority Leader. “This legislation reflects the will of the people. It reinforces the Tenth Amendment, respects states’ rights, and brings cannabis policy into the 21st century.”

Today, more than 40 states have legalized cannabis in some form—whether medical or adult use. But without federal recognition, legal businesses still operate in gray zones, patients lack protections, and tax revenues go underutilized.

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About the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation 

The Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation’s (CPEAR) mission is to advance a comprehensive federal regulatory framework for cannabis. The coalition consists of members representing regulated industries, academics, think tanks, public safety officials, and medical and mental health professionals, all of whom are developing policy and building a national conversation on the federal regulation of cannabis. Together, this coalition strives to be a trusted, science-driven resource for lawmakers and the larger stakeholder community as we collaborate to develop responsible policies that provide access to cannabis while protecting consumers and patients, barring underage use, and upholding public health and safety.

To learn more, visit www.CPEAR.org and follow us on social media!

Media Contact: 
press@cpear.org