WASHINGTON–A bill that would remove federal penalties on marijuana and, if signed into law remove a major risk for some credit unions, will receive a vote on the House floor sometime in December, according to Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD). The bill would also clear the records of some people convicted of cannabis-related crimes.
Hoyer announced the vote in a letter to colleagues that outlined the legislative schedule for the lame-duck session of Congress in November and December.
"The House will vote on the MORE Act to decriminalize cannabis and expunge convictions for non-violent cannabis offenses that have prevented many Americans from getting jobs, applying for credit and loans, and accessing opportunities that make it possible to get ahead in our economy," the letter read.
While Hoyer did not specify which week the vote will come up, the House is scheduled to be in session Dec. 1-4 and Dec. 7-10.
‘Momentum is Growing’
The legislation was originally scheduled for a vote in September, but Politico reported some Democrats in tight races worried voters would not be pleased to see marijuana legalization getting attention in congress at the same time no additional stimulus legislation was being considered.
“Momentum is growing on marijuana policy. More than a third of Americans now live in states with full legalization, and a record 68% support federal cannabis legalization, according to Gallup,” reported Politico, noting in the most recent elections five states passed medical or recreational legalization referendums, bringing the total number of legal states up to 15.