Department of Justice's 2026 Budget Bill (CJS) Status Report:
Patient advocates were able to get the Medical Cannabis Amendment added to the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) appropriation bill, in both the House and Senate versions of the bill. However, the House version included language that would weaken those protections (SEC 529 (b))and stop the process of recognizing cannabis as medicine (SEC 607).
On September 10, the House Full Appropriations passed the CJS budget with the following provisions:
- No Nebraska: SEC. 529(a)
- SEC. 529(b): “Funds made available under this Act to the Department of Justice may be used to enforce violations of 21 U.S.C. 860.
- SEC. 607: “None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to reschedule marijuana or to remove marijuana from the schedules established under section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812).”
The budget deadline is September 30, 2025. Rumors are circulating about a potential government shutdown, and other offices are preparing for another Continuing Resolution (CR). Conversations around the CR are leaning toward including riders.
There is still time to make these changes during the Conference Committee. TAKE ACTION NOW WITH THE TOOLS BELOW!
Please take a moment to contact your Senators and Congressional Representative. Anti-cannabis lobbyists are working overtime to take away these protections. If they do not hear from you, they will not know how to represent patients and medical cannabis stakeholders.
We have provided a draft letter for you to send, along with your representative's contact information. All you need to know is your address!
Sample Letter 1 – Patient
Title: [Congressperson/Senator X Patients Deserve Relief, Not Punishment]
As a patient living with chronic pain, I’ve tried every prescription my doctors could offer. The only thing that consistently helps me manage my symptoms and stay functional is medical cannabis.
Yet under federal law, I’m still treated like a criminal. That’s why the medical cannabis protections in the Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations bill matter so much. For the past decade, this amendment has shielded patients from arrest and prosecution. But this year, harmful riders threaten to weaken those protections and slow the process of recognizing cannabis as medicine.
As [STATE]’s voice on Capitol Hill, Representative/Senator [Last Name], please defend patients like me. Strengthen the CJS protections in FY2026 by removing Sections 529 (b) and 607 and work toward lasting, national medical cannabis reform.
Medical cannabis isn’t about politics. It’s about health, dignity, and the freedom to live without suffering.
Sincerely,
[Name], [Town/City]
Sample Letter 2 – From a Caregiver
Title: [Congressperson/ Senator Caregivers Shouldn’t Have to Break the Law]
I am the caregiver for my [child/parent/spouse] who suffers from [condition]. After years of failed treatments, medical cannabis gave them quality of life back.
And yet, every refill, every doctor visit, and every trip across state lines puts us at risk because federal law still refuses to recognize medical cannabis. Families like mine should never be forced to choose between caring for our loved ones and breaking the law.
For more than a decade, patients and caregivers have been protected from arrest by language in the Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations bill. But new riders in this year’s version threaten to roll those protections back and undermine progress toward reclassifying cannabis for medical use.
As [STATE]’s voice on Capitol Hill, Representative/Senator [Last Name], please defend patients like me. Strengthen the CJS protections in FY2026 by removing Sections 529 (b) and 607 and work toward national reforms so no caregiver is ever criminalized for helping a loved one.
Sincerely,
[Name], [Town/City]
Sample Letter 3 – From a Veteran
Title: [Congressperson/Senator X, Veterans Deserve Safe Access to Cannabis]
As a veteran, I live every day with service-related injuries and PTSD. The VA can prescribe opioids, benzodiazepines, and sleep aids, but it cannot support my use of medical cannabis—even though it helps more than anything else.
Veterans fought for this country. We shouldn’t have to fight again for safe access to medicine that restores our health and dignity.
The Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Amendment has been the only shield for veterans and patients in medical cannabis states. But this year, riders slipped into the bill threaten to undo those protections and stall federal recognition of medical use.
As [STATE]’s voice on Capitol Hill, Representative/Senator [Last Name], please defend patients like me. Strengthen the CJS protections in FY2026 by removing Sections 529 (b) and 607 and take steps toward permanent national reform so veterans like me are never left behind.
Sincerely,
[Name], [Town/City]
Sample Letter 4 – From a Senior on Fixed Income
Title: [Congressperson/Seantor X, Older Americans Need Affordable Medical Cannabis]
I am an older American living on Social Security. My doctor recommends medical cannabis for my arthritis, but because it isn’t covered by insurance, I pay out of pocket. Meanwhile, Medicare will cover much stronger and more dangerous drugs.
This makes no sense. Congress must act to bring medical cannabis into our healthcare system so seniors like me don’t have to choose between groceries and medicine. Congress has the power to change this, and it’s long past time.
For over a decade, patients have relied on the Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Amendment to keep federal authorities from interfering in state programs. But this year, damaging riders threaten to weaken that protection and slow efforts to bring medical cannabis fully into our healthcare system.
As [STATE]’s voice on Capitol Hill, Representative/Senator [Last Name], please defend patients like me. Strengthen the CJS protections in FY2026 by removing Sections 529 (b) and 607 and work toward lasting, national medical cannabis reform.
Sincerely,
[Name], [Town/City]
Today, more than six million Americans rely on these programs to manage their medical conditions. Without the CJS Amendment, these critical safeguards will be lost, placing vulnerable patients and their providers at immediate risk.
Sign on to this letter to the Appropriation Committees for your organization or as an individual.
Mobilize your friends, followers, and community. Download and print flyers or a poster to educate your community, or download a graphic to share with your social media networks.
Bring the issue home. Organize a local event with patients, providers, veterans, and advocates in your area to raise awareness and call on your representatives to protect access —virtually or in person. ASA can help you plan, promote, and provide materials. Host a town hall.»
ASA is leading the charge in Washington, but we need your help to keep fighting. Your donation supports lobbying, grassroots advocacy, and education nationwide. Donate now »
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For additional background, please view our recent virtual town hall or read this op-ed: It’s Time For Congress To Create A Federal Pathway For Medical Cannabis Access
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