Washington, DC – National Cannabis Industry Association executive director Aaron Smith issued the below statement in response to the Senate Appropriations Committee’s approval by voice vote today for the renewal of medical marijuana protections in the Department of Justice budget.

The provision, commonly known as the Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment, was offered in the committee by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT). It amends the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, forbidding the use of federal funds to prevent the implementation of states’ medical cannabis laws. The amendment has been included in each annual budget bill since 2014.

“It’s great to see the members of the Senate Appropriations Committee stand up for medical cannabis patients, the responsible businesses that serve them, and the states that have worked hard to create safe, regulated programs. More than 90% of Americans favor medical marijuana policies, and this amendment is a common-sense way to respect that overwhelming support.

“Now it’s time for the House to do the same. Patients deserve access to care, states deserve respect, and members of the House deserve the opportunity to vote on amendments like this that have the strong support of their constituents.”

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