The PREPARE Act of 2025 would create a new federal commission—the Commission on the Federal Regulation of Cannabis—to study and propose a plausible, prompt pathway to federal cannabis regulation. Modeled after how Alcohol Regulation works at the federal and state levels, the commission would examine a wide range of issues and stakeholders, with the goal of guiding Congress and the White House on how federal cannabis rules could be designed once prohibition ends. Importantly, the bill sets up an advisory process (public comment, hearings, and a final report) but does not grant the commission any rulemaking power itself. The act envisions a rapid, cabinet-level-style, cross-agency effort with input from numerous federal agencies, state regulators, industry representatives, and members of communities affected by past criminalization. If enacted, the bill would push federal consideration toward a comprehensive, alcohol-like regulatory framework for cannabis, addressing topics from criminal-justice impacts and banking access to patient access, product safety, labeling, youth protection, tax and revenue systems, and interstate trade. The process culminates in an initial findings report within about four months and a final set of recommendations within one year, which could shape future legislation and agency actions toward federal cannabis regulation.
Key Points
- 1Establishment and purpose of a Commission on the Federal Regulation of Cannabis
- 2- The Attorney General must form the Commission within 30 days to study a prompt, plausible pathway to federal cannabis regulation, modeled after alcohol regulation.
- 3Public input and hearings
- 4- The Commission must solicit public comments within 60 days and hold public witness hearings within 180 days, including diverse participants (state-licensed operators, multi-state operators, and individuals convicted of non-violent cannabis offenses at both federal and state levels). Written and verbal testimony must be public.
- 5Timelines and outputs
- 6- Initial findings and recommendations must be published within 120 days of enactment; a final report with findings and recommendations is due within one year; additional public comment is allowed after the initial report.
- 7Comprehensive, cross-agency membership
- 8- The Commission’s 25+ members come from high-level positions across major federal departments and agencies (e.g., Justice, Education, Health, Agriculture, FDA, IRS, Treasury, NIST, HUD, Labor, Veterans Affairs, Interior, Commerce, ONDCP, etc.), plus two State cannabis regulators, a trade or non-profit representative, and a formerly incarcerated individual with cannabis-related experience. There are also appointments for leadership positions (Chair and Secretary) chosen by the Commission.
- 9Focus of recommended measures
- 10- Proposals to address: criminal-justice impacts on minority, low-income, and veteran communities; access to banking and financial services for cannabis businesses; access to medical cannabis and research; medical cannabis training in publicly funded medical centers; uniform product safety, labeling, and youth-protection standards; efficient federal revenue and tax frameworks; guidance for production, sale, and interstate/international trade; coexistence of hemp and cannabis industries; and other barriers to legalization identified by the Commission.
- 11No rulemaking authority and compensation rules
- 12- The Commission cannot issue regulations itself. Members serving as federal employees cannot receive extra pay for service; non-federal members also cannot receive compensation beyond their standard roles.
- 13Operational and procedural details
- 14- The Commission will meet at least quarterly, with attendance expectations and a majority vote needed to issue recommendations. The Attorney General provides staff and access to public records; meetings and minutes are handled accordingly.