House Committee Approves Safeguards for State Marijuana Programs from Fed Interference
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A House Appropriations subcommittee Tuesday afternoon approved an amendment that would bar the Department of Justice (DOJ) from interfering with legal adult marijuana programs as part of the fiscal 2023 appropriations legislation for commerce, justice, science and related entities. This is reported by NORML in a press release.
The bipartisan amendment, introduced by Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA) David Joyce (R-OH) along with Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Tom McClintock (R-CA) and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) would prevent the DOJ from using resources to interfere with the ability of a state, territory, tribal government, or the District of Columbia to enforce cannabis laws or target violators of those laws.
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Morgan Fox, policy director for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), said the change brings peace of mind to individuals, businesses and institutions.
“While federal lawmakers continually work to determine the best way to finally end marijuana prohibition and reverse the damage it has caused, those involved in regulated cannabis programs in the growing number of states operating in leaders on this issue, knowing if the federal government will be actively standing in the way of their continued successes,” Fox said.
“Adding these safeguards to the federal budget will go a long way in giving individuals, businesses and state governments some peace of mind, while sending a signal to the vast majority of Americans who support cannabis legalization and regulation that their elected officials support them actually listen. ”
Congressman Earl Blumenauer added, “Congress must respect the will of the electorate and prevent wasteful prosecutions by the Department of Justice of those found violating their state or tribe’s cannabis laws. I appreciate the partnership and leadership of my colleagues, Representatives McClintock, Lee, Joyce and Norton, in advancing this important language today.”
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Since 2014, members of Congress have passed annual spending legislation that includes a provision that protects those who comply with state medical cannabis programs from improper prosecution by the DOJ. However, such guidance has not been officially renewed under the current government and “does not have the force of law,” NORML stressed. Meanwhile, US Attorney General Merrick Garland recently said the DOJ is reviewing cannabis policy and will address the issue “in the coming days.”
This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been republished with permission.
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