Cory Booker (D-NJ)
Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act
A Democratic bill with 17 Democratic cosponsors · See all 17 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act aims to decriminalize and deschedule cannabis at the federal level by removing it from the schedule of controlled substances. It establishes a regulatory framework for the production, taxation, and sale of cannabis, transferring regulatory functions to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of the Treasury. The bill provides for restorative justice through the expungement of certain federal cannabis convictions and offenses. It also includes provisions for community reinvestment, small business support, and medical research. Furthermore, the Act addresses public safety through cannabis-impaired driving research and mandates new workplace protections. Finally, it establishes a federal tax on cannabis products to fund various initiatives through an Opportunity Trust Fund.
Yes· 3 of 42
- Scored +9
Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?
The legislation federalizes decriminalization, mandates expungement and resentencing for federal cannabis offenses, and eliminates past penalties.
- Scored +8
Would business owners be better off under this?
Provides cannabis businesses with official legal status, banking services, tax credits, and SBA loan access.
- Scored +8
Would Black Americans be better off under this?
Directly addresses the disproportionate harms of the War on Drugs through record expungement and economic reinvestment in affected communities.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill authorizes substantial new federal spending and appropriations across multiple agencies for research, grants, and regulation.
- Scored -2
Does this give the federal government more power?
Establishes extensive new federal regulatory frameworks, taxation systems, and oversight agencies within the Treasury and FDA.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Decriminalization and Removal from Controlled Substances: Cannabis is removed from the schedule of controlled substances, changing its legal status (Section 101).
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Expungement of Criminal Records: Federal district courts must review and expunge convictions or juvenile delinquency adjudications for Federal cannabis offenses occurring between May 1, 1971, and the date of enactment (Section 311(a)(1)), allowing individuals to treat such offenses as if they never occurred (Section 311(b)(1)).
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Access to Federal Benefits: Individuals with expunged cannabis convictions shall not be subject to any loss of Federal benefits related to those offenses (Section 311(b)(3)), and no person may be denied any Federal public benefit based on cannabis use or conviction (Section 312(a)).
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Immigration Protections: Noncitizens may petition to reconsider removal orders based on cannabis offenses (Section 313(b)(5)(A)(ii)), and cannabis may not be considered a controlled substance for purposes of immigration laws (Section 313(a)).
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Restorative Justice and Community Support: The Community Reinvestment Grant Program provides funds for job training, reentry services, and legal aid for those impacted by the War on Drugs (Section 301), while grants are also provided to address the needs of individuals and census tracts disproportionately impacted (Section 704(c)).
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Support for Small Businesses and Equity: The Cannabis Restorative Opportunity Program offers loans and technical assistance to small business concerns owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (Section 301). Additionally, the SBA is directed to review regulations to reduce burdens and increase loan eligibility for minority businesses and individuals impacted by the War on Drugs (Section 306(b)(1)).
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Equitable Licensing: The Equitable Licensing Grant Program helps states and tribes develop licensing programs that minimize barriers to employment and licensing for impacted individuals (Section 301).
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Medical Research and Healthcare Access: The bill funds biomedical research on cannabis impacts and requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct clinical trials for veterans with chronic pain and PTSD (Sections 202, 210). The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Director of the Indian Health Service are authorized to update policies so healthcare providers can provide recommendations regarding cannabis programs (Sections 314 and 315).
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Worker and Consumer Protections: The bill mandates enforcement regulations to protect workers (Section 302(3)) and requires guidance on protecting cannabis workers from life cycle hazards (Section 604). For consumers, strict regulations on labeling and advertising are established to prevent deception (Section 304(a)(5)-(6)).
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Financial Fairness: Financial institutions are prohibited from denying services based on prior nonviolent cannabis convictions (Section 706) and from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, and sex (Section 705(a)).
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Tax Credits for Manufacturers: A credit is allowed for qualified domestic manufacturers of cannabis products against the imposed tax (Section 5901(e)(1)).
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Economic Development: Substantial funding is allocated to the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund and the Emergency Capital Investment Fund to support low- or moderate-income areas and small businesses (Section 704).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Taxation and Financial Burdens: A tax is imposed on all cannabis products produced in or imported into the United States, with rates starting at 10 percent and increasing over time (Section 5901(a) and (b)). Individuals who willfully neglect duties or fail to pay taxes may face a $10,000 penalty, plus an additional penalty of 10 percent of the tax due (Section 5931(a) and (b)).
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Criminal Penalties and Legal Risks: It is unlawful to knowingly grow, manufacture, ship, or distribute certain quantities of cannabis without proper authorization (Section 112). Engaging in the business of importing, cultivating, producing, or selling without a federal permit is unlawful (Section 511(a)), and those who engage in these businesses with intent to defraud the United States face fines up to $10,000 or up to 5 years in prison (Section 5932(a)). Violating specified sections regarding unlawful practices can result in criminal fines of up to $1,000 (Section 305(a)(1)).
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Restrictions on Federal Employees and Law Enforcement: Agencies may still deem cannabis a controlled substance exclusively for the purpose of drug testing law enforcement officers or Federal employees in significant positions (Section 101(e)). Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the enforcement of laws related to cannabis-impaired driving (Section 224).
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Business Regulatory Burdens: Permittees face the risk of losing operating authority due to willful violations, failure to engage in operations for over two years, or fraud/misrepresentation (Section 302(1)). Certain business arrangements, such as exclusive outlets, tied-house inducements, and specific consignment sales, are declared unlawful (Section 304(a)). Businesses must also adhere to strict labeling and advertising regulations (Section 304(a)(5)-(6)). Furthermore, the bill allows for the tracking of cannabis products and gives government officers authority to access and copy records to investigate illicit trade (Section 112).
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Product Restrictions: Cannabis products are prohibited from containing certain "characterizing flavors" like menthol or fruit flavors in electronic delivery systems (Section 1109(a)).
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Expungement Exceptions: Individuals who received an "aggravating role adjustment" during sentencing for a Federal cannabis offense are generally ineligible for expungement unless specific mitigating factors are found (Section 311(c)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Black Americans be better off under this? — Directly addresses the disproportionate harms of the War on Drugs through record expungement and economic reinvestment in affected communities. Would business owners be better off under this? — Provides cannabis businesses with official legal status, banking services, tax credits, and SBA loan access. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — Provides substantial relief from disproportionate drug sentencing, deportation risks, and barriers to business ownership. Would immigrants be better off under this? — Prohibits the denial of immigration benefits or deportation based on past cannabis conduct or convictions. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Targeted community reinvestment grants, job training, legal aid, and housing support directly assist low-income populations. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — Authorizes VA physicians to recommend cannabis and mandates clinical trials for veterans with chronic pain and PTSD. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — Includes tribal set-asides, equitable licensing provisions, and healthcare access through Indian Health Programs. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Young adults benefit significantly from decriminalization and the removal of criminal penalties for cannabis possession. Would farmers be better off under this? — Opens up a major new agricultural market and refines hemp production and tax guidelines. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Middle-aged individuals benefit from legal access, expungement of past records, and expanded medical research. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Seniors gain better access to medical cannabis research, therapeutic options, and VA healthcare recommendations. Would union members be better off under this? — Enforces labor standards and worker protections as conditions for obtaining federal cannabis business permits. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Directs community reinvestment, housing, and social services funding into urban neighborhoods impacted by the War on Drugs. Would men be better off under this? — Men, who have historically faced higher rates of drug arrests, benefit substantially from criminal record expungement. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Middle-class consumers benefit from a safe, regulated retail market and expanded employment opportunities. Would retired people be better off under this? — Improves access to medical research and healthcare opinions regarding pain management and chronic health outcomes. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Supports rural agricultural development, hemp production, and community development financial institutions. Would students be better off under this? — Provides higher education institutions with research infrastructure grants and educational programs. Would white Americans be better off under this? — Benefits from general decriminalization, civil liberties protections, and an open commercial market. Would women be better off under this? — Expands small business support, women's business center services, and economic opportunities in the cannabis industry. Would LGBTQ people be better off under this? — Includes non-discrimination protections in financial services based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — Enforces non-discrimination provisions in financial institutions and supports medical research on therapeutic uses.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this shorten or soften prison sentences? — The legislation federalizes decriminalization, mandates expungement and resentencing for federal cannabis offenses, and eliminates past penalties. Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill establishes grant programs and restorative justice measures to reinvest in communities disproportionately harmed by the War on Drugs. Does this make it easier for immigrants already here to become citizens? — The bill protects noncitizens from being denied immigration benefits or deported solely based on past cannabis-related offenses. Does this make housing cost less? — The bill provides dedicated funding for housing and community development needs in areas adversely impacted by the War on Drugs. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Reinvestment funds and small business support programs target low-income individuals and communities affected by past drug enforcement.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The legislation expands Small Business Administration programs, loans, and counseling to cannabis-related legitimate businesses. Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill establishes FDA regulatory oversight, product standards, labeling requirements, and testing to ensure consumer safety. Is this likely to grow the economy? — By bringing the cannabis market into the legal economy and providing banking access, the bill stimulates business growth and commerce. Is this likely to create jobs? — The legalization and regulation of the cannabis industry will create numerous jobs in cultivation, processing, distribution, and retail. Does this strengthen the rights of workers to organise? — The bill ties federal cannabis permits to compliance with major labor laws and the National Labor Relations Act. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill authorizes substantial new federal spending and appropriations across multiple agencies for research, grants, and regulation.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — Provides retroactive expungement and resentencing for federal cannabis offenses, restoring civil rights and federal benefits. Does this leave more decisions to the states? — Explicitly protects state authority to enforce local cannabis laws, regulations, and prohibition measures. Does this make it easier to do business across state lines? — Removes federal criminal barriers to interstate shipment while preserving state rights to regulate or prohibit local sales. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Requires public reporting on research, demographic data of business owners, and oversight committees. Does this give the federal government more power? — Establishes extensive new federal regulatory frameworks, taxation systems, and oversight agencies within the Treasury and FDA.
- Healthcare
- Does this put more money into medical research? — The bill appropriates significant funding for biomedical research, public health surveillance, and clinical trials concerning cannabis. Does this help veterans get medical care? — The bill mandates clinical trials at the VA regarding cannabis and permits VA healthcare providers to make recommendations on cannabis programs. Does this do more about addiction and overdose deaths? — The legislation expands comprehensive substance use disorder programs and evaluates cannabis as an alternative treatment for chronic pain.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — Provides substantial funding grants to higher education institutions and research entities for cannabis infrastructure and studies.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — Expands healthcare protections and clinical research opportunities for veterans regarding cannabis use.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill updates the definition of hemp under the USDA domestic hemp production program and supports agricultural research.
- 9/15/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/16/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- 16 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Michael BennetDemocrat · Colorado
John FettermanDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Kirsten GillibrandDemocrat · New York
John HickenlooperDemocrat · Colorado
Andy KimDemocrat · New Jersey
Ben LujánDemocrat · New Mexico
Edward MarkeyDemocrat · Massachusetts
Patty MurrayDemocrat · Washington
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California
Gary PetersDemocrat · Michigan
Charles SchumerDemocrat · New York
Tina SmithDemocrat · Minnesota
Ron WydenDemocrat · Oregon
Raphael WarnockDemocrat · Georgia
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont
Elizabeth WarrenDemocrat · Massachusetts