The Change Maker Initiative – A New Path to Federal Cannabis Legalization

The Cannabis and Hemp industries have reached a critical turning point. Despite overwhelming public support for legalization—68% of Americans favor legalizing Cannabis, according to a 2024 Gallup Poll—federal action has remained stagnant. The 2024 election cycle reinforced the political obstacles that continue to hinder industry progress, as an anti-Cannabis congressional majority took control, and executive branch appointments signaled further regulatory resistance.

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For too long, the industry has relied on ineffective lobbying and expensive state ballot initiatives, only to see major losses and wasted resources. The failures of Florida’s $150+ million ballot effort and other state-level initiatives have proven that these approaches are unsustainable. To secure lasting federal legalization, the industry must shift its focus to direct political power-building—electing lawmakers who will champion Cannabis and Hemp at the national level.

The Change Maker Initiative, led by The Future – Today & Tomorrow, is designed to do exactly that. With a $150 million annual investment strategy, this initiative will reshape the political landscape by funding pro-Cannabis candidates, mobilizing voters, and ensuring that federal legalization becomes a legislative priority.

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The Change Maker Initiative: A Strategic Investment in Political Power

The Change Maker Initiative is built on a four-pillar funding model, ensuring that resources are strategically deployed to secure legislative victories, influence regulatory policy, and protect industry interests. Over 10 years, the initiative will raise $1.5 billion, with investments allocated as follows:

1. Cannabis Voting Consumer Education & Engagement (25%) – $375 million Educating voters on how Cannabis policy affects their rights and economic opportunities. Mobilizing consumers to become a powerful electoral force. Engaging organizations like NORML, M4MM, and the Drug Policy Alliance to maximize voter outreach.
2. Political Campaign Activity Investment (50%) – $750 million Supporting pro-Cannabis congressional candidates to build majorities in the House and Senate. Targeting state elections (Governors, Attorneys General, State Legislatures) to secure local policy support. Running media campaigns to defeat anti-Cannabis candidates and increase voter turnout.
3. Government Relations & Lobbying (20%) – $300 million Hiring minority-owned lobbying firms to engage Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American lawmakers. Pushing for passage of key bills like the MORE Act and SAFER Banking Act. Preventing restrictive regulations that could harm small and minority-owned businesses.
4. Forward-Leaning Legal Strategy (5%) – $75 million Funding legal challenges against anti-Cannabis policies, including lawsuits attacking social equity licensing programs. Defending businesses against federal overreach and targeted enforcement actions. Partnering with law schools at Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) and minority-serving institutions to support industry legal advocacy.

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Why This Strategy is Essential for Industry Survival

The current political climate is hostile to Cannabis and Hemp interests, and failing to act will result in long-term setbacks: ?? Federal prohibition will continue, blocking banking access and capital investment. ?? State social equity programs will be dismantled, as MAGA-led lawsuits challenge minority licensing preferences. ?? Industry consolidation will increase, squeezing out small businesses and allowing only large corporations to survive.

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Meanwhile, the Crypto industry has shown how to win in Washington—not by lobbying alone, but by funding candidates and securing electoral victories. The Change Maker Initiative will apply the same playbook to ensure that Cannabis and Hemp businesses control their own regulatory future.

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Immediate Priorities: The 2025-2026 Elections

The Change Maker Initiative’s first major test will be the 2025-2026 election cycle, where it will focus on:

• Electing pro-Cannabis governors and state officials in key states like Virginia, New Jersey in 2025.
• Flipping the House and Senate back to pro-Cannabis majorities in 2026.
• Electing pro-Cannabis governors and state officials in key states like Mississippi, Kentucky and Louisiana in 2027
• Targeting the 2028 presidential election to ensure a White House administration that prioritizes legalization.

Long-term, the initiative will sustain political influence through the 2034 election cycle, ensuring that Cannabis-friendly policies are not just enacted, but permanently secured.

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The Time for Action is Now

The Change Maker Initiative represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the Cannabis and Hemp industries to take control of their destiny. The old strategies—lobbying without electoral investment, focusing on state ballot measures—have failed. If the industry does not take action now, it will remain vulnerable to political setbacks and economic instability.

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This is the moment to invest in direct political power—to fund candidates who will fight for federal legalization, defend state-level gains, and secure a regulatory environment that allows the industry to thrive.

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The Cannabis and Hemp industries must follow the Crypto industry’s lead and build an unstoppable political movement. The Change Maker Initiative is the blueprint—now it’s time to execute.

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For additional information about the Change Maker Initiative, contact Eric Foster at [email protected] or [email protected]