Bill Overview
Title: PREPARE Act of 2022
Description: This bill directs the Department of Justice to establish the Commission on the Federal Regulation of Cannabis to study a plausible and prompt pathway to cannabis regulation.
Sponsors: Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals impacted by cannabis regulation changes
Estimated Size: 40000000
- The bill aims to establish a framework for the regulation of cannabis, transitioning from prohibition to a regulated environment.
- Cannabis is currently illegal at the federal level in the United States, but many states have legalized its medical or recreational use, affecting how individuals access and use cannabis.
- The target population includes current users of cannabis, both recreational and medicinal, as their access and the legal framework surrounding cannabis may change significantly.
- Individuals working in the cannabis industry will be affected due to potential changes in regulation, affecting business operations, safety, taxation, and legal risks.
- Law enforcement and regulatory agencies will see shifts in focus and legal procedures as cannabis laws transition.
- Potential new users of cannabis who may consider its use with legal and regulated frameworks in place could also be impacted.
- Medical patients who use cannabis for treatment may be affected by changes in regulation affecting supply, quality, and legal status.
Reasoning
- The policy aims to reshape cannabis regulation at the federal level, potentially affecting millions of cannabis users, industry workers, and law enforcement processes.
- Given the limitations of the budget, the policy's reach will need to be efficient, targeting key areas of regulation development and stakeholder engagement without excess spending.
- Considering a large target population, including recreational and medical users, effective communication and policy implementation will be essential.
- Business regulation will be crucial, impacting existing cannabis businesses and prospective new market entrants, requiring careful consideration of federal vs. state dynamics.
- Policy impact will vary; some individuals may experience significant changes, while others may notice negligible differences depending on pre-existing laws in their state.
Simulated Interviews
Cannabis dispensary owner (Denver, CO)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I have mixed feelings. On one hand, federal regulation can provide stability and legitimacy to the industry.
- However, it might impose burdensome regulations that small businesses like mine cannot handle.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Medical cannabis user (Seattle, WA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful that a more regulated environment will mean better quality control and safety for the products I rely on.
- My main concern is whether costs will increase due to new taxation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Law enforcement officer (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The reallocation of resources could improve community relations and allow a focus on more serious crimes.
- However, there might be confusion and transition challenges within the department.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Tech worker considering cannabis use (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 30 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Federal regulation might make me feel more confident about trying cannabis, knowing it's controlled and legal universally.
- I'd be cautious about how regulations might affect availability and information about products.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
State government official (Des Moines, IA)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Federal regulation could simplify and unify approaches, reducing state-by-state variance and confusion.
- There might be challenges integrating state and federal systems existing laws.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Recreational cannabis user (New York, NY)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Federal regulation can make recreational use safer and remove legal uncertainties.
- I'm worried it might make access harder if overly stringent regulations are imposed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Cannabis farmer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Federal guidelines might provide structured growth opportunities if well implemented.
- Regulations might increase operational costs, affecting profit margins.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Health researcher (Miami, FL)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Federal regulation could enhance research opportunities and data availability.
- I'm optimistic about better funding and streamlined research approvals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Cannabis advocate (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Federal regulation is a step towards nationwide acceptance and a balanced market.
- It could integrate more people into safer use practices and legitimate markets.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
College student, non-user (Austin, TX)
Age: 19 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm interested in how federal regulation might change perceptions and norms around cannabis use.
- It could affect peers more directly than me, altering social dynamics.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 2: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The study conducted by the commission will be a precursor to any federal regulation changes.
- Accurate budgeting for the commission includes potential oversize contingencies due to the uncertain scope of stakeholder engagement and study depth needed.
- While the commission does not directly regulate or change current laws, its findings could influence significant legislative and economic outcomes.