Cannabis Caucus still dormant
Federal Congressional Cannabis Caucus Still Dormant — Six Months In
Despite renewed energy in Washington around cannabis reform, the Congressional Cannabis Caucus hasn’t met once since the 119th Congress began in January 2025. As reported by Marijuana Moment and according to co-chair Rep. Ilhan Omar, there’s been informal coordination between offices, but no official meetings have taken place and nothing is on the Congressional record.
This silence comes as several cannabis-related bills sit in legislative limbo, including the STATES 2.0 Act, which would end federal prohibition in legalized states. For all the talk of bipartisan momentum, the lack of formal action from the caucus signals a harsh reality: cannabis reform still isn’t a top-tier priority in Congress.
Current Federal Cannabis Caucus members:
Dina Titus (D-NV)
Ilhan Omar (D-MN)
David Joyce (R‑OH)
Brian Mast (R‑FL)
Past members:
Jared Polis (D‑CO) – elected Colorado governor in 2018
Dana Rohrabacher (R‑CA) – defeated during 2018 election
Don Young (R‑AK) – died in office, March 2022
Earl Blumenauer (D‑OR) – retired in 2024
Barbara Lee (D‑CA) – did not seek re-election in 2024
Wisconsin Needs a State-Level Cannabis Caucus—Now
While Washington stalls, Wisconsin continues to fall further behind. It’s become clear that without a centralized, bipartisan cannabis caucus in Madison, we’re doomed to repeat the cycle: isolated bills, splintered messaging, and zero traction.
A state-level cannabis caucus would bring discipline and direction to the issue:
Unified leadership would allow lawmakers from both parties to collaborate around shared policy goals—medical, adult-use, economic development, and social justice.
Public buy-in would grow as a caucus amplifies the voices of patients, farmers, business owners, and local governments.
Legislative coordination would stop the cannibalization of cannabis reform efforts across committees, agencies, and session after session of inaction.
We’ve seen other states launch similar bi-partisan efforts to fast-track smart regulation and seize control of their local markets. Meanwhile, Wisconsin remains stuck—reactive instead of proactive.
A Pipe Dream Without Action
Let’s be blunt: in Wisconsin, the idea of a cannabis caucus still feels like a pipe dream. It’s talked about among advocates and a handful of insiders, but with no leadership willing to step up and formalize such a group, it remains just that—a dream.
Inside the Capitol, interest exists. Outside, the people are demanding action. But unless someone brings those forces together, cannabis reform in Wisconsin won’t move forward.
As the federal caucus drifts through another session without meeting, Wisconsin shouldn’t wait around for D.C. to lead the way. If anything, the vacuum at the national level proves why we need to get our act together here at home. Until then, a cannabis caucus in Wisconsin will remain what it is today—just another pipe dream for people who care.
