Wanda James launches campaign to Congress focusing on federal cannabis legalization

Wanda James, a cannabis industry entrepreneur and CEO of Simply Pure — a licensed retailer based in Denver — is running for a seat in Congress for Colorado's First District with a central platform: putting federal cannabis legalization at the forefront and advocating for the industry to be treated with regulatory and financial fairness. The information comes from the portal MJBizDaily.

As a member of the Board of Regents of the University of Colorado and with over fifteen years of experience managing dispensaries, cultivation operations, and an edibles company, James claims to have an in-depth understanding of the sector's structural challenges. For her, the executive order signed by President Donald Trump on December 18 to reclassify marijuana represents progress, but is still insufficient to address the main market obstacles.

“Full legalization is the only real solution. It's the only thing that solves all the problems — Section 280E, the SAFE banking system, property owners' exploitation, and access to capital,” told the US portal MJBizDaily.

James argues that cannabis companies should be treated like any other legal industry. According to her, the public perception of normalcy contrasts with the reality faced by market operators.

“The average consumer thinks we are already within the law, but they don't know the reality. Cannabis stores in Denver don't have access to banking services, and entrepreneurs are taxed like Pablo Escobar, with their profits confiscated by unfair policies,” stated to MJBizDaily.

Her candidacy has received support from leaders and executives in the cannabis industry, highlighting her practical experience, political activism, and ability to represent the sector in Washington — especially on issues such as legal certainty, access to capital, and review of conflicting federal policies.

Despite her relevant political background — including involvement in Democratic campaigns and holding leadership positions — analysts assess that the competition will be challenging. James is one of seven candidates trying to unseat Democratic Representative Diana DeGette, who has held the seat since 1997 and is running for reelection before the primaries scheduled for June 30.