Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) is proud to join a broad coalition of organizations, led by the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA), urging Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to move forward with comprehensive federal cannabis reform.

The coalition’s letter, embedded below, calls on Senate leadership to advance the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA) and finally bring federal law in line with science, public opinion, and basic principles of justice. While most states have moved away from prohibition, federal law continues to criminalize cannabis, restrict scientific research, and leave thousands of people living with the consequences of outdated policies.

For SSDP, cannabis reform has never been just about legalization. Our vision is broader.

We believe no one should be arrested, incarcerated, or saddled with a criminal record for cannabis. We believe those still imprisoned for cannabis offenses should be granted clemency and released. We believe past convictions should be expunged, civil rights restored, and communities most harmed by prohibition should have meaningful opportunities to participate in the legal marketplace. We also believe researchers should be able to study cannabis without unnecessary barriers, patients should have safe access to medicine, and young people deserve honest, evidence-based education instead of fear-based messaging.

The War on Drugs has failed. The future of cannabis policy must prioritize public health, civil liberties, scientific inquiry, and individual freedom—not criminalization.

The letter we’re proud to sign reflects the growing consensus that incremental reforms are no longer enough — federal law must catch up with both the science and the overwhelming majority of Americans who support ending cannabis prohibition — and it builds on the work SSDP has led alongside partners across the country.

We’ve continued to push for clemency for individuals still serving federal sentences for cannabis offenses, elevate the voices of those directly impacted by prohibition, and advocate for policies that recognize the harms the War on Drugs has inflicted on individuals, families, and communities. Earlier this year, as the lead conveners of the Cannabis Unity Coalition, SSDP helped curate 13 legislative pathways to federal cannabis and hemp reform and brought together 44 different organizations from across the political spectrum and the cannabis industry for the third annual Cannabis Week of Unity. And, we’ve never stopped speaking up for meaningful cannabis reform that doesn’t just stop at rescheduling.

As long as people continue to be arrested, imprisoned, denied opportunities because of past convictions, or prevented from conducting legitimate scientific research, our work is not finished.

The War on Drugs is a War on Us. Together, we can build something better.

Take Action

Read the coalition letter below and share it with your network.

Then help keep the momentum going:

• Tell your members of Congress to support comprehensive federal cannabis reform.
• Join SSDP’s campaign to secure clemency for those still imprisoned for federal cannabis offenses.
• Become an SSDP Ambassador and help organize for evidence-based drug policy in your community.
• Make a donation to support SSDP’s advocacy, organizing, and educational work to end the War on Drugs.

Real reform happens when people take action. Together, we can end cannabis prohibition, repair the harms it has caused, and build policies rooted in freedom, science, and justice.