Fetterman Reaffirms Support for Cannabis Legalization

Fetterman Restates Cannabis Position

Senator John Fetterman told reporters July 21 that he's consistently supported cannabis legalization throughout his political career. The Pennsylvania Democrat made the remarks during a media availability in Washington. He's held this position since his tenure as lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania from 2019 to 2023.

Fetterman's statement arrives as the DEA reviews the Department of Health and Human Services recommendation to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney is currently overseeing hearings on the proposed rescheduling, with a final rule expected in late 2026 or early 2027.

Pennsylvania's Cannabis Policy Landscape

Pennsylvania operates a medical cannabis program but hasn't legalized adult-use sales. It's a policy gap Fetterman has long sought to close. The state's medical program launched in 2018 under the Medical Marijuana Act, serving approximately 450,000 registered patients as of mid-2026.

During his time as lieutenant governor, Fetterman conducted a 67-county listening tour on cannabis legalization in 2019. The tour found support for legalization in all 67 Pennsylvania counties, according to data his office released at the time. Governor Josh Shapiro has signaled openness to adult-use legalization but hasn't made it a legislative priority in his first term.

Federal Reform Bills in the 119th Congress

Multiple cannabis reform bills are pending in the current Congress, though none have advanced to floor votes in either chamber. The legislative landscape includes:

• Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA): Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), the bill would deschedule cannabis entirely and establish a federal regulatory framework. No markup scheduled.
• SAFER Banking Act: Passed the Senate Banking Committee in September 2023 but hasn't received a floor vote. The bill would protect financial institutions serving state-legal cannabis businesses.
• GRAM Act (Guiding Regularization and Marijuana Act): Introduced by Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) in March 2026. The bill would remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act and create a federal excise tax structure.

Fetterman has co-sponsored the CAOA and SAFER Banking Act. He hasn't taken a public position on the GRAM Act.

Political Stakes for 2026 Midterms

Cannabis policy is emerging as a ballot issue in multiple states this November. Legalization measures qualified in Florida, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Polling by the Pew Research Center in March 2026 found 70 percent of U.S. adults support legalizing marijuana for adult use, including 55 percent of Republicans and 84 percent of Democrats.

Fetterman isn't up for reelection until 2028. Pennsylvania's other senator, Bob Casey (D), faces reelection in November 2026 and has also voiced support for federal cannabis reform, though he hasn't co-sponsored descheduling legislation.

For full background on federal cannabis policy developments, see the CannIntel topic hub on Federal Cannabis Legalization.

The next procedural milestone: DEA Administrator Anne Milgram must issue a final rule on rescheduling by the end of the administrative record, which closes in October 2026 unless extended. Congressional action on SAFER Banking or descheduling bills remains unlikely before the midterm elections.