A Republican-led House committee has approved a spending bill that includes provisions to block the Justice Department from rescheduling marijuana. The bill, which covers Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, also maintains a rider that protects state medical cannabis programs from federal interference. However, the new language authorizes enhanced penalties for sales near schools and parks.
The bill, which passed the House Appropriations Committee, blocks the Justice Department from using its funds to reschedule or deschedule marijuana. This move comes as the Biden administration has been considering rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act.
The provision, which is part of the spending bill, states that none of the funds can be used to reschedule or deschedule marijuana. This effectively blocks the Justice Department from taking any action on marijuana rescheduling.
The bill also includes a rider that continues to prevent the Justice Department from interfering with state medical marijuana programs. However, the new language authorizes enhanced penalties for sales near schools and parks.
Advocates are relieved that the bill continues to preserve the rider protecting state medical marijuana programs, but are disappointed that the bill blocks the Justice Department from rescheduling marijuana.
The bill now moves to the full House for consideration. If passed, it will need to be reconciled with a Senate version before it can be sent to the President for signature.
