Washington is a place where time is power. How lawmakers and lobbyists spend their hours reveals far more than press releases or public hearings. And if this most recent round of lobbying disclosures tells us anything, it’s this: the marijuana industry is spending a significant chunk of its time on a SAM bill.
That’s great news.
The Bill That’s Soaking Up Their Time
Earlier this year, House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX) and Senator James Lankford (OK) introduced the No Deductions for Marijuana Businesses Act (H.R. 1447 / S. 471)—a commonsense, SAM-authored bill that would preserve the intent of Section 280E of the tax code, even if marijuana is rescheduled by the federal government.
Reminder: 280E is the tax law that stops weed businesses from taking regular deductions at tax time; if weed gets moved into Schedule III, 280E no longer applies to it. You can read a TDR explainer about this issue here.
Let’s be clear: this could unlock a massive, roughly $2 billion tax break for the marijuana industry. That’s money that would otherwise help fund schools, infrastructure, and public health initiatives. Instead, it could go straight into the pockets of companies selling high-potency THC products—many of which are actively marketing to young people with colorful packaging, candy imitations, and celebrity branding.
The SAM-authored legislation would prevent that. It ensures that rescheduling does not accidentally open the floodgates to tax breaks for an industry still illegal under federal law.
A Strategic Win: Time, Attention, and Resources
Now, thanks to recently released lobbying reports, we know that NCIA (National Cannabis Industry Association), NORML, and a variety of other marijuana interests are pouring significant resources into opposing this bill. That means they’re choosing to spend time—and money—fighting defensive battles instead of pushing their larger, long-term agenda of full-scale federal legalization.
This is, quite simply, a strategic win.
Every minute the marijuana lobby spends opposing our legislation is a minute they’re not using to push for legalization, commercialization, or banking loopholes.
This isn’t just theory. It’s a proven dynamic in advocacy: Time spent fighting one bill means less bandwidth for pushing another.
That’s especially true when the legislation in question directly targets their business model. Because unlike other bills that talk in broad strokes about reform, this one affects their bottom line—right now.
And the more they feel that pressure, the more they’ll have to prioritize protecting profits over expanding influence.
Why This Matters
If marijuana gets moved into Schedule III to happen, it could pave the way for a federally subsidized marijuana industry—backed by tax write-offs, corporate expansions, and nationwide marketing efforts.
Let’s not forget: Section 280E was enacted to prevent drug traffickers from deducting their business expenses. Removing that firewall, intentionally or by omission, invites precisely the kind of federally sanctioned marijuana economy we’ve been warning about for years.
Our bill stops that, even if marijuana is rescheduled. And the time the industry spends opposing it is time well-spent—for us.
The Clock Is Ticking—On Them
We’re not just fighting marijuana commercialization. We’re also fighting the political machinery behind it—consultants, lobbyists, trade associations, and corporate stakeholders who have a finite amount of influence to spend on Capitol Hill.
If we can keep them busy defending their tax privileges, we limit the energy they can dedicate to pushing for legalization or dismantling public health safeguards.
It’s not just about policy—it’s about pacing. And right now, they’re running on our track.
A Note to Our Supporters
Our mission at SAM has always been clear: science, public health, and smart policy over profit.
By driving forward targeted, strategic legislation like the No Deductions for Marijuana Businesses Act, we’re not just playing defense—we’re shaping the field.
So if you’re wondering whether we’re making progress, just follow the time sheets.
Because when the industry has to spend its precious minutes responding to us, we’re already ahead
This content was created with the assistance of generative AI.