One of Our Own: Colorado Dispensary Owner Runs for Congress with First-Day Plan for Full Legalization

Wanda James, a pioneering dispensary owner from Colorado, is taking her cannabis advocacy to the next level by running for Congress. While she’s encouraged by whispers that the Trump administration might finally move marijuana to Schedule III, James is making it clear that "halfway measures" aren't enough. If she wins her seat, she’s promised to introduce a full federal legalization bill on her very first day in office. To back up this bold plan, she’s brought on long-time reform heavyweight Neal Levine to lead her campaign. James argues that true equity and banking access can only happen when the plant is fully legal nationwide.

This is a huge development for the community because it represents a shift from "industry-friendly" politicians to a candidate who actually comes from the culture. Having an actual shop owner in the halls of power could finally give regular tokers a voice that understands the plant, the business, and the social justice reform we’ve been waiting for. It’s a sign that the movement is ready to stop asking for permission and start writing the laws themselves.