President Trump’s FY2026 budget proposal dangerously omits longstanding spending restrictions on the DOJ & DEA included in the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations bill that protect medical cannabis patients.
7/7/25 Update: CJS markup will be rescheduled due to the extended House recess.
BACKGROUND:
The Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment emerged as a bipartisan response to the ongoing conflict between state and federal cannabis laws. Initially passed as part of the 2015 federal budget, this amendment explicitly restricts federal funds from being used to interfere with medical cannabis programs operating in compliance with state law. While always intended as a temporary measure, this crucial safeguard has been renewed annually, providing much-needed security for patients and stakeholders while Congress works toward more permanent solutions.
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.
The groundwork for comprehensive federal reform has been laid. Advocates have successfully championed regulatory changes enabling U.S.-based cannabis research, debunked outdated misconceptions, established rigorous safety standards, and demonstrated clear medical benefits recognized by the FDA and HHS. Now, we must urge Congress to act decisively to ensure lasting protections and integrate medical cannabis into our healthcare system.
For additional background, please view our recent virtual town hall or read this oped: It’s Time For Congress To Create A Federal Pathway For Medical Cannabis Access
ACTION:
The upcoming July markup of the FY2026 CJS Appropriations Bill represents a pivotal opportunity to restore these crucial protections. We invite you and your organization to:
1. Sign the letter below urging Congressional leaders to reinstate the CJS Amendment protections.
2. Mobilize your membership to contact their representatives and senators, emphasizing the urgent need to maintain federal protections for medical cannabis programs. www.safeaccessnow.org/cjs_action
3. Issue a “Why we signed“ statement on social media and to your press lists during CJS Markup.
Thank you for your continued commitment to patients and the broader medical cannabis community. Together, we can ensure lasting protections for those who depend on safe and reliable access to medical cannabis.
Please contact Steph Sherer [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
THE SIGN-ON LETTER:
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