First time in history both House and Senate have approved protection for medical marijuana patients and providers

Law also includes ‘unacceptable’ measure attempting to undermine D.C.’s overwhelming vote for legalization

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) today applauded the passage of the first-ever federal protections for state-sanctioned medical marijuana patients and caregivers.

Included in the omnibus spending bill approved by both the House and the Senate is a measure forbidding the Department of Justice to use any federal funds to interfere with the legal use and sale of medical cannabis in states where that activity is sanctioned under state law.

“Elected officials in Washington have been drastically out of touch with public opinion when it comes to marijuana policy,” said NCIA executive director Aaron Smith. “This is the historic first step toward getting it right for patients and the compassionate businesses and organizations those patients rely on for safe access to medical cannabis.”

A recent poll commissioned by Third Way shows that more than three-quarters of American voters believe medical marijuana should be legal.

The spending bill also includes a measure designed to undermine Washington, D.C.’s marijuana legalization initiative, which passed on Election Day with more than 2-1 support from voters.

“It is unacceptable that Congress would attempt to so blithely trample on the overwhelming will of D.C.’s voters,” said Smith. “D.C.’s citizens rejected the failed policies of marijuana prohibition with a clear voice, and there’s simply no justification worthy of respect for Congress to try to undermine that.”

###