(Washington, D.C.) - Today, the United States House of Representatives Rules Committee passed the MORE Act, which would federally legalize marijuana with no public health regulations. During debate, multiple bi-partisan amendments were denied passage - many of which SAM helped write - which would have added driving, youth, and other safety-related protections to the bill. While the bill is expected to pass, it faces bipartisan opposition and is dead on arrival in the Senate.
“The Rules Committee refused to allow amendments which would have protected the most vulnerable communities in our country - such as youth, people of color, and those in recovery from addiction - because they thought it would 'split the caucus' on the vote. This bill is irresponsible and a blank check to Altria and Big Tobacco, as well as the Big Alcohol industry," said Dr. Kevin Sabet, President and Co-Founder of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) and a former senior drug policy advisor to the Obama Administration.
During debate, 14 SAM-authored or - supported amendments were offered by Democrats and Republicans. Of note, Democratic Representative from Pennsylvania (and candidate for U.S. Senate) Conor Lamb offered an amendment related to studying marijuana's impact on workplace safety, as well as Republican Representative Dan Bishop, who offered an amendment addressing impaired driving and road safety. Neither amendment was passed.
"The introduction of these amendments underscores the widespread concern about the ramifications of legalization," continued Sabet. "Some expect legalization efforts to fly through Congress with no meaningful opposition. Today, that was proved wrong."
The MORE Act will receive a vote in the House this Friday. While the bill is expected to pass, it faces bipartisan opposition and is dead on arrival in the Senate.
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