Bill Overview
Title: Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act
Description: This bill decriminalizes cannabis and removes it from scheduling under the Controlled Substances Act. It also provides for (1) a federal regulatory framework with respect to the commercial sale of cannabis and other areas, and (2) the expungement of certain federal cannabis offenses.
Sponsors: Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
Target Audience
Population: People affected by cannabis decriminalization and regulation
Estimated Size: 60000000
- The bill decriminalizes cannabis and removes it from the Controlled Substances Act, affecting individuals using cannabis for personal, medical, or recreational reasons worldwide.
- Establishing a federal regulatory framework suggests commercial growers, distributors, and retailers worldwide will need to comply with new regulations.
- The expungement of federal cannabis offenses will directly impact individuals who have been charged or convicted of such offenses worldwide.
- The bill will potentially alter international cannabis trade dynamics, affecting global markets and economies dealing with cannabis.
Reasoning
- The budget constraints suggest that the policy will have targeted impact, as resources are limited to support infrastructure and legal changes comprehensively.
- The population most directly affected includes recreational and medical cannabis users, individuals with prior cannabis convictions, and businesses within the cannabis industry.
- Given the estimated affected population size, many people may not directly perceive a change in wellbeing immediately, as the policy's impact is gradual and regulatory frameworks take time to implement.
- Certain groups such as previously convicted individuals may see an immediate improvement in personal and professional opportunities, elevating their wellbeing.
- Overall, the policy is likely to influence societal attitudes towards cannabis, but tangible benefits will vary due to individual circumstances.
Simulated Interviews
Cannabis Dispensary Owner (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe the policy will bring legitimacy to my business, allowing for growth and better compliance.
- Decriminalization means fewer legal hurdles for my business, which is a relief.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Medical Cannabis User (Denver, CO)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Removal from controlled substances brings peace of mind, making my access more secure.
- I hope the policy will mean better quality and regulatory improvements.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Software Developer (New York, NY)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It probably won't change much for me personally, since my state's laws are already relaxed.
- Having a consistent federal stance is good for long-term planning.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
HR Manager (Dallas, TX)
Age: 56 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about increased cannabis use affecting workplace policies.
- However, expungement might help my brother's job prospects.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Retired (Rural Mississippi)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't see how this benefits anyone here.
- I'm worried about increased drug use among kids.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Cannabis Industry Consultant (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Federal regulation will increase the market's legitimacy and open new opportunities.
- I expect more investments in the sector, which is good for business.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 9 |
Paralegal (Chicago, IL)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Expungement is a life-changer for me when applying for jobs.
- I hope this policy reduces stigma around past convictions.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Healthcare Worker (Portland, OR)
Age: 33 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful the policy will clarify work regulations regarding cannabis use.
- I work in healthcare where decriminalization can reduce patient stigmas.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Student (Miami, FL)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It’s a win for states like mine that need federal backing for cannabis reform.
- It’ll make advocacy easier by setting a national precedent.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Retired Teacher (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 75 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm skeptical of any policy that may increase access to drugs.
- My focus is on ensuring education programs teach safe practices.
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: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 2: $450000000 (Low: $350000000, High: $550000000)
Year 3: $400000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $500000000)
Year 5: $350000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $450000000)
Year 10: $300000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $400000000)
Year 100: $300000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $400000000)
Key Considerations
- Potential misalignment between federal regulations and state laws could create compliance complexities.
- Market dynamics will be influenced by the responsiveness of supply chains and consumer acceptance of legal cannabis.
- Social equity initiatives in cannabis administration will require oversight and effective policy framing.
- International trade relations regarding cannabis exports may be affected.