Preparing Regulators Effectively for a Post-prohibition Adult-use Regulated Environment Act of 2025; PREPARE Act of 2025
Summary
The PREPARE Act of 2025 aims to establish a Commission on the Federal Regulation of Cannabis to study and propose a pathway for federal cannabis regulation, modeled after alcohol regulation. The bill addresses issues like the impact of cannabis criminalization, access to financial services and research, and consistent product safety regulations. It mandates the commission to solicit public comment and issue reports with findings and recommendations.
Expected Effects
The Act would lead to the creation of a federal commission tasked with developing a regulatory framework for cannabis, potentially leading to federal legalization and regulation. This could reshape the cannabis industry, impacting businesses, consumers, and law enforcement. The commission's findings could influence future legislation and policy decisions regarding cannabis.
Potential Benefits
- Provides a framework for federal cannabis regulation, potentially creating a more consistent and predictable market.
- Addresses the impact of cannabis criminalization, particularly on minority, low-income, and veteran communities.
- Promotes research on medical uses, product safety, and impairment standards.
- Could lead to increased access to medical cannabis and related research.
- May create new economic opportunities and revenue streams for states and the federal government.
Potential Disadvantages
- The commission's recommendations are not binding, and there's no guarantee that Congress will act on them.
- The regulatory framework could be burdensome for small businesses and create barriers to entry.
- There is potential for conflicts between federal and state regulations.
- The focus on alcohol regulation as a model may not be appropriate for cannabis, given the differences between the two substances.
- The commission's composition may be subject to political influence, potentially leading to biased recommendations.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's establishment of a commission to study cannabis regulation appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution. Congress has broad authority to legislate on matters affecting the general welfare of the United States. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and the bill acknowledges the rights of states and tribal governments in cannabis regulation. The commerce clause (Article I, Section 8) grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, which would be relevant if cannabis is legalized federally.
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).