Senator John Fetterman backs federal cannabis legalization and rejects GOP switch overture

U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D‑PA) announced his support for the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, legislation that would remove marijuana from the list of federally controlled substances, shift regulatory authority to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, create a Center for Cannabis Products, set standards for cannabis‑impaired driving, and allow states to set their own laws. The bill, filed with 17 Democratic co‑sponsors, also includes provisions to protect hemp‑derived THC products.

Fetterman also addressed his unusually high approval among Republican voters in Pennsylvania – 77% according to a Quinnipiac poll – and dismissed a pitch from Lara Trump urging him to switch parties. He said he would only consider such a move if Democrats turned sharply anti‑Israel, emphasizing his commitment to a respectful bipartisan approach while maintaining his liberal voting record on most issues.