Blumenauer Praises Introduction of the Cannabis Administration Opportunity Act in Senate, Calls it a “Historic Breakthrough”

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Blumenauer, Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, released the following statement praising the introduction of the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act:

“The introduction of the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA) in the Senate is a historic breakthrough in our bicameral efforts to end the failed federal prohibition of cannabis. 

I have worked for decades on this issue and finally the dam is starting to break. For far too long, the federal government has stood in the way of science and progress—failing our communities who have been most impacted by the disastrous war on drugs and prohibiting individuals from utilizing the health benefits of cannabis. The momentum surrounding cannabis reform in Congress and nationally has reached a fever pitch. 

In addition to de-scheduling marijuana in places with state-legal programs, the bill has exciting elements including restorative justice and research. I look forward to working with my friends in the Senate to reconcile the differences between the CAOA and House-passed bills like the MORE Act and SAFE Banking. It is critical we resolve minor differences in the pursuit of larger objectives. We have never had stronger leadership in Congress for cannabis reform, and I’m optimistic that now is the time to make significant progress.”