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U.S. Cannabis Council Launches to Advance Social Equity and Advocate for Federal Legalization

February 8, 2021

Top Cannabis Businesses, Associations, and Advocacy Organizations Join Forces to Launch U.S. Cannabis Council


A Coalition of Leading Companies and Advocates, USCC Aims to Advance Social Equity and Racial Justice, and End Federal Cannabis Prohibition


Source: NCV Newswire

WASHINGTON-February 08, 2021-(BUSINESS WIRE)–Top cannabis businesses, associations, and advocacy organizations in the United States today launched the U.S. Cannabis Council (USCC), a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization that strategically aligns and unifies its members’ collective voices to advance cannabis reform.


The largest coalition of its kind, USCC will harness the resources, energy, and expertise of its founding members to end federal cannabis prohibition by bringing together a strategic alliance of organizations, businesses, and individuals. Importantly, USCC will focus on securing federal reforms that advance social equity and promote fair, safe, and well-regulated markets nationwide as states continue legalizing cannabis at a rapid rate.



“USCC is a unified voice advocating for the descheduling and legalization of cannabis,” said USCC Interim CEO Steven Hawkins, a leader in civil and human rights who also serves as Executive Director of the Marijuana Policy Project, a founding member of USCC.


Legalization at both the state and federal level must include provisions ensuring social equity and redress for harms caused to communities impacted by cannabis prohibition.

The alliance aims to raise ethical standards within the industry; achieve restorative justice for communities that have been disproportionately impacted by misguided state and federal cannabis policies; and create a healthy, inclusive, and well-regulated cannabis industry with social, financial, and environmental benefits shared by all.


Congressional leaders in Washington, D.C. are already looking forward to working hand-in-hand with the organization.


As founder and co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, I’ve seen firsthand that our most successful cannabis wins have been secured by a team. That’s why I am glad to see this first-of-its-kind alliance.

We have a unique opportunity in the 117th Congress to advance cannabis reform, but we must remain united to create the change we know is possible. I look forward to welcoming the United States Cannabis Council to Washington, D.C. and working together toward meaningful policy change in the months and years ahead.

USCC aims to become a leading resource for cannabis here in the U.S., impacting policy change on both a federal and state level.


“Today the cannabis industry has mobilized to make our message clear – we must deschedule and legalize cannabis, and it is critical that it is done the right way,” said Christian Sederberg, USCC’s Acting Board Chairman and a partner at national cannabis law firm Vicente Sederberg, a founding member of USCC.


After so many years working towards meaningful reform, it’s inspiring to see the diverse group of partners who have formed this collective voice, and together, we are hopeful that true, meaningful federal cannabis reform is within reach.

The USCC’s founding members represent some of the most influential policy and business organizations in the modern cannabis industry. For every five board appointments, the USCC will reserve one additional board seat for members representing specific areas of focus, including DEI and environmental concerns.


Founding members of the U.S. Cannabis Council include standalone and multi-state businesses, associations, and advocacy organizations from throughout North America:


  • Acreage Holdings
  • Akerna Corp.
  • American Trade Association of Cannabis and Hemp
  • Association for Cannabis Health Equity and Medicine
  • BellRock Brands
  • Buckeye Relief
  • Cannabis Trade Federation
  • Canopy Growth Corporation
  • Columbia Care Inc.
  • Cresco Labs Inc.
  • Cronos Group
  • Culta
  • Curaleaf
  • DNA Genetics
  • Eaze
  • Flowhub
  • Global Alliance for Cannabis Commerce
  • Good Chemistry
  • The Grove Cannabis Dispensary
  • Headcount’s Cannabis Voter Project
  • Husch Blackwell
  • iAnthus Capital Holdings, Inc.
  • Jushi
  • Keef Brands
  • Lightshade
  • LivWell Enlightened Health
  • Marijuana Policy Project
  • Medicine Man
  • MedMen
  • Native Roots Cannabis Co.
  • 1906 New Highs
  • PAX Labs
  • PharmaCann
  • ProKure
  • Raw Garden
  • Schwazze
  • Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
  • Urbn Leaf
  • Veterans Cannabis Project
  • Vicente Sederberg LLP
  • Vireo
  • Wana



For more information on how to get involved with the USCC, please visit www.uscannabiscouncil.org.


The United States Cannabis Council is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization. USCC members seek to harness their collective expertise in order to advance social equity, end the federal prohibition of cannabis, modernize federal and state regulations and promote high ethical standards within the industry.

US Cannabis Council Statement on Former President Trump’s Support for Cannabis Reform

September 9, 2024
David Culver, SVP of Public Affairs for the US Cannabis Council, released the following statement: "We welcome former President Trump’s historic endorsement of large-scale cannabis reform, including the reclassification of cannabis from Schedule I to III, the passage of Florida’s Amendment 3 to legalize adult-use cannabis in the state, and the passage of the SAFE Banking Act to bring standard banking services to the cannabis industry. He joins millions of Americans who have reassessed their views on cannabis in recent years. “Reclassifying cannabis would mark a historic swift away from the nation’s failed drug war. Cannabis never belonged on Schedule I, and the drug’s low abuse potential and proven medical use warrant a Schedule III designation, if not outright descheduling. "Meanwhile, former President Trump joins millions of Republicans and Democrats in Florida in voting for Amendment 3, adding to its already strong bipartisan support. President Trump's support could prove pivotal for meeting the 60% threshold required to become law. And his endorsement of SAFE provides a common sense approach to bringing cannabis into the regulated banking system. We look forward to hearing more from him about how he would approach cannabis reform if elected this November. “We believe cannabis reform is a winning issue. For the first time in history, both major party candidates support large-scale cannabis reform.”

US Cannabis Council Statement on Amendment 3 and Former President Trump

August 31, 2024
David Culver, SVP of Public Affairs for the US Cannabis Council, released the following statement: “We welcome former President Trump's comments on Amendment 3 in Florida, which would legalize adult use cannabis in the state. He joins millions of Americans who have reassessed their views on cannabis in recent years. “Amendment 3 enjoys strong bipartisan support from Florida voters, and President Trump's support could prove pivotal for meeting the 60% threshold required to become law. We look forward to hearing more from him about how he would approach cannabis reform if elected this November.”

US Cannabis Council Statement on President Biden

July 21, 2024
David Culver, SVP of Public Affairs for the US Cannabis Council, released the following statement: “President Biden has taken historic steps toward ending the federal prohibition of cannabis, including starting the process to move it to Schedule III and pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of nonviolent cannabis offenses. We look forward to the current administration finalizing the rescheduling process, and we hope the next nominee will support formally ending federal cannabis prohibition."

US Cannabis Council Statement on Intoxicating Hemp Farm Bill Amendment

May 23, 2024
In response to the passage of Rep. Mary Miller's amendment during today's House Agriculture Committee markup of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, US Cannabis Council executive director Ed Conklin released the following statement: “The 2018 Farm Bill has wrongly been used to justify the mass production and sale of unregulated intoxicating hemp products. We support a uniform approach to regulating intoxicating THC products. That means intoxicating hemp products should be regulated the same as cannabis products. We believe that all of these products should be available for sale to adults with strict age gating and safety standards. “Rep. Mary Miller's amendment would firmly close the so-called Farm Bill loophole by further clarifying the definition of hemp to strictly cover naturally-occurring, non-intoxicating products. Today's adoption of the amendment is a strong signal that Congress is serious about addressing the national crisis posed by unregulated intoxicating hemp products.”

USCC Welcomes DEA Proposal to Move Cannabis Down to Schedule III

May 16, 2024
In response to a new rule proposed by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) which would move cannabis from Schedule I down to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, US Cannabis Council Executive Director Edward Conklin released the following statement: “The US Cannabis Council strongly supports the DEA’s proposal to reclassify cannabis. Moving cannabis down to Schedule III would signal a tectonic shift away from the failed policies of the last 50 years. “Cannabis never belonged on Schedule I. Thanks to President Biden and his Administration, the federal government will soon turn the page on prohibition and set the stage for further reforms. “The proposed rule implements the recommendations of the Department of Health and Human Services, following an extensive scientific review by the Food and Drug Administration. It also happens to be overwhelmingly popular with the American public. “Our ultimate goal is federal legalization, and we see Schedule III as a necessary and critical step along the way. We will submit comments in the coming days in support of the proposed rule.”

Cannabis Reform Champions Reintroduce Comprehensive Descheduling Bill

May 1, 2024
Following the reintroduction of the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA) by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sens. Cory Booker and Ron Wyden, US Cannabis Council SVP of Public Affairs David Culver released the following statement: "We welcome today’s reintroduction of the CAOA and applaud the cosponsors for their foresight and commitment. The end of federal cannabis prohibition is within sight, and our nation will need smart legislation to usher in a new era of legal access. "The CAOA is historic in its ambition and sweeping nature. We look forward to reviewing the updated legislative text and engaging in substantive discussions about how to transition away from the illicit market to a regulated national market that provides opportunities for all. "Coming on the heels of historic rescheduling news, today’s reintroduction is a true sign of the times. We believe that moving to Schedule III will facilitate the many reforms yet to come.” # # #

Drug Enforcement Administration Proposes Historic Shift in Cannabis Regulation in US

April 30, 2024
In response to news reports that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will move cannabis from Schedule I down to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, US Cannabis Council Executive Director Edward Conklin released the following statement: “The US Cannabis Council strongly supports the move by the DEA to reclassify cannabis at a lower level under the Controlled Substances Act. President Biden and his Administration should be commended for recognizing that cannabis was wrongly classified as a Schedule I controlled substance and pursuing an administrative review to reclassify it. “The proposed DEA rule implements the recommendations of the Department of Health and Human Services, which were based on an extensive scientific review by the Food and Drug Administration. Once finalized, the reclassification of cannabis to Schedule III will mark the most significant federal cannabis reform in modern history and place the nation on a clear path toward our ultimate goal of federal legalization. “Reclassifying cannabis at Schedule III will transform the nation’s cannabis industry by ending the onerous 280E tax penalty. Under federal law, regulated cannabis operators are prevented from deducting standard business expenses–including rent and payroll–from their taxes. This results in an effective tax rate north of 70% for many operators. “Under the status quo, it is challenging to merely break even as a regulated cannabis business. Moving to Schedule III will boost cannabis businesses of all sizes – particularly independent and social equity operators – and make the regulated market much more competitive with the larger illicit market. The net effect will be that more Americans will legally purchase cannabis from licensed retailers that enforce age restrictions and sell safe, high-quality products. “More broadly, the DEA’s proposed rule would provide a range of benefits by recognizing the therapeutic value and low abuse risk of cannabis while signaling to the criminal justice system that cannabis should be a lower priority. Most importantly, it will mark a formal end to the more than 50 years that cannabis has been improperly classified as Schedule I–alongside heroin–and placed at the center of our nation's destructive drug war. “Moving to Schedule III represents a tectonic shift in our nation’s drug laws. The US Cannabis Council is committed to ending federal cannabis prohibition, and we believe that reclassification is a necessary and critical step toward that goal. In the coming days, we will submit comments to the DEA in support of the proposed rule.”

USCC Responds to State of the Union Remarks on Cannabis Reform

March 21, 2024
"The US Cannabis Council applauds President Biden for highlighting cannabis reform as an issue of national concern during his State of the Union address. The President has issued historic pardons for nonviolent cannabis offenses and initiated a groundbreaking review of the status of cannabis under federal law. Tonight's remarks before a national audience signal the President's ongoing commitment to advancing cannabis reform. We are encouraged by what we heard this evening and optimistic that the Biden Administration will move cannabis down to Schedule III this year."

US Cannabis Council Launches ‘Legalize’ Round-up Campaign to Harness Consumer Support for Cannabis Reform

February 26, 2024
WASHINGTON – The US Cannabis Council (USCC) launched a national round-up campaign in February at nearly 140 Curaleaf stores across the nation. The Legalize campaign provides customers at USCC member retail locations with the ability, at point of sale, to seamlessly round up their purchases to the nearest dollar in support of federal cannabis reform. USCC member Curaleaf will run the Legalize campaign for all of February and at other points during the year. Two other USCC members, MariMed and Standard Wellness, are set to run the round-up campaign at their retail locations this spring. Other major retailers are expected to join the campaign in the coming months. USCC members are active in all states where cannabis is legal and regulated. Proceeds from the Legalize campaign go directly to support USCC’s efforts to advance cannabis reform in Congress and elevate cannabis as an issue in the 2024 election. As a 501(c)4 organization, USCC can spend up to half its budget on electioneering. It can also contribute proceeds to its Super PAC, Legalize America. “We are excited to expand the Legalize campaign nationally,” said David Culver, SVP of Public Affairs at USCC. “Customers at regulated stores feel strongly that cannabis should be federally legal. Now they have the opportunity to directly support legalization at the checkout counter.” USCC beta-tested the round-up campaign at three Curaleaf stores in New Jersey last September and October. Based on the strength of that test, the organization is rolling out the program nationally. 139 Curaleaf stores in twelve states are participating in the campaign: AZ (8), CT (5), FL (62), IL (8), MA (5), MD (8), ME (4), ND (4), NJ (6), NV (7), NY (4), PA (18). “The USCC campaign gives Curaleaf customers the opportunity to directly impact the movement to legalize cannabis across the nation – a long overdue change that the majority of Americans support,” said Matt Darin, CEO of Curaleaf. “We are proud to have launched the inaugural effort across our retail stores and engage our team members, patients and customers in making cannabis a prominent issue in 2024.” # # # The US Cannabis Council (USCC) is the voice of America's regulated cannabis industry. By harnessing the collective power and reach of our members and allies, we have become a leading force for ending federal prohibition and creating an equitable and values-driven cannabis industry.

US Cannabis Council Applauds Biden for Expanded Cannabis Pardons

December 22, 2023
In response to President Biden’s expansion of pardons for cannabis use and possession, US Cannabis Council SVP of Public Affairs David Culver issued the following statement: “When President Biden was running for office, he pledged to reform federal cannabis laws and grant pardons for nonviolent cannabis offenses. As the third year of his presidency comes to a close, the president has made great strides toward these goals. “Today’s pardons are an expansion of those granted in October of last year, when President Biden also initiated an administrative review of the status of cannabis under federal law. As a result of the review, the Drug Enforcement Administration is poised to move cannabis down to Schedule III, following more than five decades as a Schedule I drug. “The Biden Administration is well on its way toward delivering the most impactful cannabis reform in history. We applaud President Biden for his ongoing commitment to reforming cannabis laws and addressing the harms of our nation’s failed drug war. Taken together, his actions represent tangible progress toward ending federal cannabis prohibition and expunging cannabis charges at all levels of government.”
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