Representative Dina Titus (D) Nevada is the new chair of the cannabis caucus in Congress – will it make a difference?
She has been appointed co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, succeeding retiring Congressman Earl Blumenauer. This appointment, announced on January 2, 2025, positions her as a leading voice on cannabis-related issues in Congress. But will representative Dina Titus help cannabis? Her co-chair is Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and both are in the minority party. The caucus has included bi-partisan chairs, but it is troubling at critical point, the majority is not represented in leadership.
Titus represents Nevada’s 1st Congressional District. This includes Las Vegas, home of the national largest dispensary Planet 13 and soon to open Cannabition, an immersive cannabis experience. But does she have the political savvy and clout to make headway, especially since the Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson (R-LA) is against the green plant?
As the doyenne off of the Nevada delegation, she has established herself as an effective lawmaker, focusing on issues such as affordable housing, transportation infrastructure, and environmental protection. With a background in education, Titus taught American and Nevada government at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas for 34 years before retiring in 2011. She serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Some of her positions have run counter to the current administration including legislation to ban bump stocks and her vocal support for the DREAM Act and comprehensive immigration reform. Titus has championed policies supporting children, seniors, and people with disabilities5. Her commitment to public service and her constituents has made her a respected figure in Nevada politics and on Capitol Hill.
Titus aims to address several key issues:
- Banking services and tax treatment for cannabis businesses
- Veteran access to medical cannabis through the VA
- Reforming the federal scheduling of marijuana
While 24 states have legalized recreational cannabis use, it remains a Schedule I drug under federal law. Titus advocates for federal recognition of the cannabis industry’s responsible practices in these states. Titus has emphasized the need for federal reform, stating, “It is time for the federal government to recognize that and treat it accordingly”. Her appointment is seen as a step in advancing cannabis policy reform at the national level.
Cannabis industry leaders and advocates have expressed strong support for Titus’s appointment, citing her long-standing advocacy and knowledge of the challenges faced by cannabis businesses. With Mike Johnson and others seeing cannabis as an enemy, it will take wisdom, strength, ally building and more to have movement.
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