In a recent development, the House Rules Committee under GOP control has rejected a series of proposed marijuana and psychedelic reform amendments within expansive spending legislation.
This decision includes the dismissal of a bipartisan effort aimed at protecting state cannabis programs from potential federal interference, reported Marijuana Moment.
During discussions on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) and Labor, Health and Human Services and Education (LaborH) funding bills this week, the committee chose not to advance various marijuana-related amendments. These proposals ranged from modest reforms favored by legalization advocates to a controversial proposition by Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX), a known prohibitionist attempting to prevent the Biden administration from rescheduling cannabis.
Notably, the committee opted against moving forward with an amendment preventing the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) from using funds to interfere with state laws authorizing the use, distribution, possession, or cultivation of marijuana. Sponsored by Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Tom McClintock (R-CA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Dave Joyce (R-OH), this measure has secured approval on the House floor in previous years but awaits enactment into law.
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Expressing disappointment, Rep. Blumenauer stated, "The election last week in Ohio, a Republican state where people overwhelmingly supported legalization, illustrates the reality on the ground. The American public is not waiting. My amendment would be an opportunity for the federal government to solve problems instead of creating them. I am disappointed that it was blocked from being brought for a vote."
While the CJS bill destined for the floor retains a renewed annual rider preventing federal funds from interfering with state and territory medical cannabis programs, the committee also rejected two versions of an amendment proposed by Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA). This amendment sought to block funding for marijuana testing of federal job applicants, contributing to the challenges faced by reform proponents in various spending bills this year.
For the complete story, please refer to Marijuana Moment's article.
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