H.R.2934 - Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States 2.0 Act; STATES 2.0 Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2934, the STATES 2.0 Act, aims to amend the Controlled Substances Act concerning marijuana. It seeks to allow states and federally recognized Indian Tribes to determine their own laws regarding the manufacture, production, possession, distribution, dispensation, administration, or delivery of marijuana, with certain exceptions. The bill also addresses interstate transportation of marijuana and tasks the FDA with regulating marijuana products.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would significantly shift the regulatory landscape of marijuana in the United States. States would have greater autonomy, potentially leading to diverse marijuana policies across the country. The federal government would focus on interstate commerce and impose a federal excise tax to support regulatory oversight.
Potential Benefits
- Empowers states and Indian Tribes to regulate marijuana within their borders, respecting local preferences.
- May reduce the illicit marijuana market by allowing for regulated and taxed sales.
- Could free up law enforcement resources at the state level to focus on other crimes.
- Establishes a federal regulatory framework for marijuana products, potentially ensuring consumer safety.
- Allows for interstate commerce of marijuana between states that have legalized it.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could lead to a patchwork of regulations across states, creating confusion and potential conflicts.
- The federal excise tax on marijuana could increase the cost of legal products, hindering the legal market's competitiveness.
- The bill does not address potential public health concerns related to increased marijuana use.
- Potential for increased interstate transportation of marijuana could strain law enforcement resources in some states.
- The FDA regulation of marijuana products may create additional regulatory burdens for businesses.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Tenth Amendment, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states. By allowing states to regulate marijuana within their borders, the bill respects the principles of federalism. However, the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, which the bill also addresses by regulating interstate transportation of marijuana. The bill also tasks the FDA with regulation, which falls under Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce and ensure public health.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).