The House of Representatives approved the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act, H.R. 3617 on April 1, sending it to Senate. The MORE Act removes cannabis from the federal Controlled Substances Act, allowing states to legalize cannabis, its production, and sale, free from federal interference. (Benzinga)
Reaching the Senate is an accomplishment in itself after many attempts, the legislation now needs bipartisan approval in the body and then President Biden’s signature. That said, let’s look at where some senators stand on federal legalization of marijuana.
When asked last week at the Capitol about the MORE Act, Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) said, “Okay, I don’t support that. I’ve had family members who have had a lot of drug issues, and so I’m not going to do it,” reported CNSNews.
Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) was asked if he used cannabis and whether he also thought it to be harmful, to which he replied:
“I do actually, and I think the science also shows that as well, so this is one of those interesting debates where people talk about ‘follow the science’ on it, okay – well, follow the science on it and be able to track the reports.”
Lankford continued, “I understand the House is going to try and skip the science and say we’re not going to look into that because people use it, we’re just going to allow it. But increasing the use of cannabis doesn’t make our streets safer, doesn’t make our workplaces safer, it doesn’t make our families stronger.
“They’re doing a pure economic issue, and to say let people do what they want to do they ignore the human cost of that,” he concluded.
What About Medical Marijuana?
Sen. Lindsey Graham, on the other hand, recently revealed he is “open to” medical marijuana as the MORE Act heads to the Senate.
“Medical marijuana, I’ve heard from many people in our state, seems to have some value,” said Graham per WMBF News.
“If you can show me, and I think there’s evidence that it is helpful, then the medical marijuana idea I’d be open to.”
While Graham’s opposition to federal cannabis legalization, especially in the midst of an opioid crisis, is perfectly clear, he seems to understand the value of medical marijuana.
“One thing we’ve got to realize, opioids help with pain, but they create a lot of addiction,” Graham said.
“There’s no easy answer here, but in terms of legalizing marijuana, no. I think it brings a lot of problems with it. In terms of allowing marijuana in controlled environments in the hands of doctors, that could be something I could support.”
How Did The Bill Pass House Of Representatives?
It turns out, the bill passed in a 220-204 vote, with five sustained. 217 Democrats said yes to the measure decriminalizing marijuana, while only two voted against it. On the other side of the aisle, 202 Republicans voted against the bill, and three supported it.
Who are the three Republicans who said yes to the MORE Act? They are Rep….
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