Politics
GOP Lawmakers Slam Marijuana Legalization Vote Planned In Congress This Week

Numerous Republican members of Congress are blasting House Democrats over a planned vote on a bill to federally legalize marijuana this week, dismissing the significance of the issue and arguing that it’s an inappropriate time to take it up.
Specifically, most critics of the vote are saying that the House shouldn’t take action on the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act until additional coronavirus relief is passed.
The seemingly coordinated messaging from GOP members is familiar, as minority party members issued the same criticism when House leadership announced their intention to vote on the MORE Act in December.
There was an earlier push to take action on the bill in September, but that plan was postponed following pushback from certain centrist Democrats who worried about the optics of advancing cannabis reform before passing another COVID-19 relief bill. It should also be noted that several of those same lawmakers ended up losing their seats on the same Election Day as voters in conservative states approved marijuana legalization ballot measures, calling into question their strategic thinking on the politics of cannabis.
In any case, House Democrats did pass coronavirus legislationāon two occasionsāthat included provisions to protect banks that service state-legal marijuana businesses from being penalized by federal regulators. Republicans also sharply criticized that, asserting that it was not germane.
Advocates expressed frustration over the decision to delay the initially planned vote on the MORE Act, but leadership promised that it would be brought up before the year’s end. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) announced last month that the chamber would consider the bill in December, and it was included in the schedule for this week.
The House Rules Committee took up the MORE Act on Wednesday to prepare it for floor action. Debate will start on the bill on Thursday, with a vote expected on Friday.
But despite this movementāand the fact that a majority of Americans support marijuana legalizationāseveral dozen Republican lawmakers and incoming members have attempted to shame Democrats for pursuing the reform at this time.
Here’s a roundup of what GOP lawmakers are saying about the planned cannabis vote:
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA)
This week, your House Democrat majority is tackling the tough issues by holding a vote on legalizing pot and banning tiger ownership.
Nothing for small businesses.
Nothing for re-opening schools.
Nothing on battling the pandemic.Just cannabis and cats.
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) November 30, 2020
“Theyāre picking weed over the workers. Theyāre picking marijuana over the much-needed money we need to go forward, the small businesses that are closing.”
Small businesses are closing. Americans are getting laid off. And Democrats are voting on *š¤š©š¦š¤š¬š“ šÆš°šµš¦š“* marijuana.
They are picking weed over workers. pic.twitter.com/LQrhEVr8Oq
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) December 3, 2020
Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA)
Let me get this straight:
Nancy Pelosi is blocking a bill to deliver unused Paycheck Protection Program funds to workers and small businesses.
But she managed to find time for a vote on pot legislation this week.
RT to tell Dems to quit blocking aid for Americans in need NOW!
— Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) November 30, 2020
House Republican Conference
Democrats are bringing the House back into session toā¦
Legalize marijuana?
Andā¦
Ban the private ownership of lions and tigers?
You read that right.
THOSE are the Democratsā priorities right now ā not COVID and small business relief that the American people actually need.
— House Republicans (@HouseGOP) December 1, 2020
Small businesses are struggling.
American families need our help.
People are counting on Congress to act.
Yet, Nancy Pelosi is bringing the House back⦠to vote on marijuana legislation and legislation from āTiger Kingā for exotic animal protection. pic.twitter.com/jx0Tjh3zRe
— House Republicans (@HouseGOP) December 1, 2020
COVID-19 relief…
Authorizing unused Paycheck Protection Program funds…
Additional funding for PPE…
None of that can get voted on, but Pelosi's marijuana legalization and exotic animal ban can?
WATCH @RepMichaelWaltz ā pic.twitter.com/UyFuwzcO2w
— House Republicans (@HouseGOP) December 2, 2020
Democrats are *actually* bringing bills for marijuana legalization and exotic animals to the House floor.
…All while obstructing legislation that would authorize unused Paycheck Protection Program $$$ to help small businesses and workers.
You canāt make this up.
— House Republicans (@HouseGOP) December 2, 2020
Pelosi has spent MONTHS blocking commonsense COVID relief for her far-left wishlist…
And Democrats have blocked unused PPP funds to help small businesses 40 times…
Now theyāre focused on marijuana and protecting exotic animals?
It's time to put the American people first.
— House Republicans (@HouseGOP) December 3, 2020
House Democrats priorities are out of step with the American people.
Their top priorities this week:
+ legalizing marijuana
+ legislation from āTiger Kingā pic.twitter.com/DjlyXkJPbK— House Republicans (@HouseGOP) December 3, 2020
The contrast is clear:
Democrat Priorities ā Big cats and cannabis
Republican Priorities ā American families, workers, and small businesses
— House Republicans (@HouseGOP) December 4, 2020
Democrats have prioritized cats and cannabis this week ā but not COVID relief.@GOPLeader ā pic.twitter.com/htpeMG2JSN
— House Republicans (@HouseGOP) December 4, 2020
“Not only is it wrong for Democrats to bring this to the floor instead of focusing on the health and economic crisis facing the nation, but itās bad policy since it would, according to Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee, ‘open the floodgates to marijuana cultivation, distribution, and sale in Americaāallowing bad actors and transnational criminal organizations to further exploit the nationās addiction crisis.'”
House Judiciary Committee Minority
šØ HAPPENING TODAY:
Democrats will try to legalize marijuana, instead of helping small businesses hurt by #COVIDć¼19.
These are the same Democrats that also want to #DefundThePolice.
Priorities.
— House Judiciary GOP (@JudiciaryGOP) December 4, 2020
House Ways and Means Committee Minority
Small businesses and families are hurting, yet Pelosi is prioritizing marijuana, lions, and tigers.
Democrats continue to double down on their out of touch priorities, pushing a liberal agenda instead of offering real relief for Americans.
This is unacceptable. pic.twitter.com/vnoj1Fg5YO
— Ways and Means GOP (@WaysandMeansGOP) December 3, 2020
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
“The House of Representatives is spending this week on pressing issues like marijuana. You know, serious, important legislation benefiting the national crisis.”
Senate Republican Conference
Good morning!
Let's check in on Nancy Pelosi's plans for the week:
ā Legalize marijuana
ā Ban tiger ownership
ā Ban lion ownership
…. does she know there's a global pandemic…? pic.twitter.com/a6oW9zirIF
— Senate Republicans (@SenateGOP) December 1, 2020
Speaker Pelosiās House decides to 'puff, puff, pass' on job-saving PPP and COVID relief.
Senate Republicans are focused on getting Americans urgently needed pandemic relief and economic assistance. But House Democrats are focused on legalizing marijuana. https://t.co/gmQ61WQzwU
— Senate Republican Communications Center (@SRCC) December 3, 2020
Senate Republican Policy Committee Chair Sen. John Barrasso R-WY)
“I don’t know exactly what’s in that bill, but that is the priority of the House right now. I don’t know if it has to do with decriminalization, legalization of marijuana, making it easier for our kids to get marijuana in our neighborhoods. Whatever it is, that is today’s priority of the incredibly shrinking Nancy Pelosi-run House of Representatives.”
Conference Chairman @SenJohnBarrasso:
What is the House of Representatives doing this week?
I looked into it.
It's the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment Act.
That is today's priority in the *incredibly shrinking* Nancy Pelosi-run House of Representatives. pic.twitter.com/E44HcnpLQa
— Senate Republicans (@SenateGOP) December 1, 2020
Republican National Committee
“Inhale this, now in December, Democrats are voting on pot instead of pandemic aid. Bottom Line: It strains credulity that Democrats are willing to go into the holidays with a straight face telling their constituents that they prioritized weed over pandemic relief.”
Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-GA)
Rent is due today, and Nancy Pelosi & Chuck Schumer are focused on legalizing marijuana and outlawing the Tiger King.
Spare us the gaslighting. https://t.co/HkQeMFfXvh
— Kelly Loeffler (@KLoeffler) December 1, 2020
.@SpeakerPelosi's agenda this week:
ā Legalizing marijuana
ā Banning tiger & lion ownership
ā Blocking PPP Funding
Small businesses & employers are hurting and Pelosi is prioritizing marijuana & tigers.
Americans deserve better.
— Senator Kelly Loeffler (@SenatorLoeffler) December 1, 2020
Sen. Todd Young (R-IN)
āIt seems the House is focused on other priorities. We just heard that they are focused on something pertaining to marijuana and giving more consideration to marijuana policy. That can be debated, but the far left needs to sort of cool their jets right now.ā
Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ)
Itās outrageous that Speaker Pelosi is bringing the House back in session to vote on marijuana legalization while the American people are struggling and in need of a COVID-19 relief bill and more businesses are closing permanently.
— Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (@RepDLesko) December 2, 2020
This year, Speaker Pelosi has called the House into session to vote on marijuana legalization, a bill on big cat ownership, and the phony postal service crisis.
Meanwhile, she has repeatedly FAILED to negotiate a bipartisan COVID-19 relief package to help the American people.
— Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (@RepDLesko) December 2, 2020
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY)
I wish @SpeakerPelosi was serious about repealing the federal prohibition on marijuana. I could cross the aisle to vote on it if it werenāt being used as a vehicle to pass new taxes and spending.
Give us a clean Bill or at least allow amendments to be heard. https://t.co/bTenlmsjck
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) December 2, 2020
Rep. Mark Green (R-TN)
This week, @HouseDemocrats decided the most pressing issue facing our country is decriminalizing marijuana…
— Rep. Mark Green (@RepMarkGreen) November 30, 2020
Rep. Ted Budd (R-NC)
As workers struggle, Nancy Pelosi is wasting our time with marijuana legislation.
The clearest example yet of her warped priorities. https://t.co/17U4MLXIlk
— Rep. Ted Budd (@RepTedBudd) November 30, 2020
Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ)
There is still over $130+ billion available in the Paycheck Protection Program for businesses to use, but Speaker Pelosi is prioritizing passing marijuana legislation this week. We should be focused on supporting our workers & businesses right now ā it is time to reopen the #PPP. https://t.co/99LB0Qkpla
— Rep. David Schweikert (@RepDavid) November 30, 2020
Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR)
Speaker Pelosi continues to block releasing unused #PaycheckProtectionProgram funds, which would help small businesses and workers.
Appropriations work is far from finished.
The critical NDAA awaits completion.
Yet, House Dems are prioritizing a cannabis bill this week… https://t.co/2pX5YoEvaW
— Rep. Steve Womack (@rep_stevewomack) November 30, 2020
Talking about this weekās voting agenda on #AR3 radio. We still have to tackle appropriations before funding runs out, finalize the NDAA & release available PPP funds. Unfortunately, #smallbiz relief is being obstructed, while Dems bring a bill to legalize marijuana on the floor. pic.twitter.com/dAvd7S52nb
— Rep. Steve Womack (@rep_stevewomack) December 2, 2020
Rep. Rob Woodall (R-GA)
“While I welcome the debate on federal criminal statutes governing marijuana use, possession, and distribution, I believe it is the wrong time for the House to utilize such precious time discussing a bill with no path forward rather than delivering results for the American people who continue to struggle during this pandemic.”
Rep. Roger Williams (R-TX)
There is over $130 BILLION left in the PPP and instead of delivering additional funding to Main Street, Speaker Pelosi is prioritizing a cannabis bill…
This is a slap in the face for hardworking Americans. https://t.co/PKodi17Hzp
— Rep. Roger Williams (@RepRWilliams) December 1, 2020
Rather than working toward more relief for Texas small businesses and families, @SpeakerPelosi decided weāre voting this week on…
…cannabis legislation.
Hardworking Americans are hurting. Itās time Congress stepped up to deliver. #LetsWork pic.twitter.com/v3M4zBo7ZR
— Rep. Roger Williams (@RepRWilliams) December 3, 2020
While our #TX25 small businesses and families still need targeted relief during COVID-19, @SpeakerPelosi and House Democrats are pushing cannabis and wildlife bills.@HouseGOP is ready to work and deliver for the American people ā weāre wasting precious time. #LetsWork pic.twitter.com/UfGsuNQSFk
— Rep. Roger Williams (@RepRWilliams) December 4, 2020
Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA)
Once again, @SpeakerPelosi is refusing to allow a vote on extending the Paycheck Protection Program, a lifeline for small businesses in the midst of COVID-19.
Instead, the House is voting on *legalizing marijuana* this week!
Itās pot over paychecks for House Democrats. https://t.co/wvABREjmQs
— Rep. Doug Collins (@RepDougCollins) December 2, 2020
Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN)
There's still over $130 billion left in the PPP, but Speaker Pelosi continues to block legislation that would release these unused funds.
Instead of delivering much needed relief, Speaker Pelosi is prioritizing a cannabis bill this week.
Americans deserve better. https://t.co/QMhImxHxfu
— Pete Stauber (@RepPeteStauber) December 1, 2020
Speaker Pelosiās weekly agenda proves, once again, her priorities are out of touch with the needs of Minnesotans. Instead of pushing bills to help families and businesses, she is prioritizing a bill to legalize drugs. Learn more: https://t.co/AtMvr5HBsk
— Pete Stauber (@RepPeteStauber) December 3, 2020
Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN)
4ā£0ā£
That is how many times House Dems have blocked our effort to give small businesses access to the over $130B in unspent funds that remain in the Paycheck Protection Program.
This week, House Dems felt that voting on tigers & marijuana took priority over aid for small biz. https://t.co/cufbzPwhvo
— Chuck Fleischmann (@RepChuck) December 1, 2020
We are 25 days away from Christmas & small businesses are struggling.
Aid for small businesses & workers should be our #1 priority but House Dems have other priorities: marijuana & tigers.
Meanwhile, our efforts to get aid for small biz have been blocked 40 times by House Dems.
— Chuck Fleischmann (@RepChuck) December 1, 2020
Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL)
I urge all of my colleagues to vote No on this legislation and prevent the widespread production and use of marijuana.
— Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) December 1, 2020
Rep. David McKinley (R-VA)
āFor months, Speaker Pelosi has repeatedly put her partisan agenda ahead of immediate targeted relief that would help so many Americans. All or nothing is not an acceptable approach. Too many Americans are counting on us for help. Rather than wasting the Houseās time on marijuana and exotic animals, we should be focused on finding common ground for a solution.ā
Instead of voting to unlock $130B in unused #PaycheckProtectionProgram funds for American small businesses, Speaker Pelosi prioritized a vote on a cannabis bill this week.
West Virginia families, workers, & small businesses cannot wait any longer. They're counting on us to act! https://t.co/pFzrMGRoHc
— David B. McKinley (@RepMcKinley) December 1, 2020
Quick reminder that House Democrats continue to block extending #PPP to help small businesses. Instead, last night we voted on a Tiger King bill and today we are voting on legalizing marijuana.
American's deserve better. pic.twitter.com/vW847fqXWp
— David B. McKinley (@RepMcKinley) December 4, 2020
Rep. Bill Flores (R-TX)
Pelosi is wasting another valuable legislative week to stimulate the marijuana industry and ignore hardworking American families and American paychecks. https://t.co/gv2v4DdO5V
— Congressman Bill Flores (@RealBillFlores) December 1, 2020
Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR)
Things @SpeakerPelosi brought members back to vote on:
ā¶ļøLegalizing marijuana
ā¶ļøTiger King legislationThings we aren't voting on:
ā¶ļøMore PPP funding
ā¶ļøCOVID-19 relief
ā¶ļøMilitary funding
ā¶ļøFunding for the entire federal governmentIt's clear where Democrats' priorities lie.
— Rep. Bruce Westerman (@RepWesterman) December 1, 2020
Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-AL)
We are in the middle of a health pandemic and many Americans are hurting. What has @SpeakerPelosi scheduled for a vote this week?
Bills to legalize marijuana and ban tiger ownership. And they wonder why they lost so many House seats…#MisalignedPriories https://t.co/RBRcdhQyo3
— Rep. Bradley Byrne (@RepByrne) December 1, 2020
Today – in the middle of a pandemic – Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats have scheduled a vote on a bill to legalize marijuana.
This is reckless, irresponsible, and a waste of time. Stop pandering to the radical Left and letās focus on real solutions! pic.twitter.com/tIxFksMz2Y
— Rep. Bradley Byrne (@RepByrne) December 4, 2020
What could the House be voting on instead of a bill to legalize marijuana?
āŖļøAnother round of PPP funding to help #smallbiz
āŖļøA reasonable and targeted #COVID19 relief Bill
āŖļøThe #NDAA to support our nationās military
āŖļøA government funding bill to avoid a shutdown
— Rep. Bradley Byrne (@RepByrne) December 4, 2020
Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY)
she wants the House to vote on the legalization of marijuana. It's time for the Speaker to work for the American people, not her own liberal agenda. (2/2)https://t.co/xYx31jC1Yb
— Rep. Andy Barr (@RepAndyBarr) December 1, 2020
Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA)
At a time when small business are closing daily & Americans continue to lose their jobs, what's Speaker Pelosiās priority?
Unfortunately, it's not securing critical aid… it's marijuana.
Her first aid package mentioned "marijuana" more than "jobs" & now this. This is nonsense. https://t.co/Ivxi84is9A
— Rep. Mike Johnson (@RepMikeJohnson) December 1, 2020
For months now, Democrats have refused to work with Republicans to provide critically needed COVID relief for millions of Americans suffering from the pandemic.
This week, Pelosi & the Democrats scheduled votes instead on… a marijuana bill and a ban on keeping tigers as pets.
— Rep. Mike Johnson (@RepMikeJohnson) December 3, 2020
Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI)
This week the House is voting on tigers and marijuana legislation but nothing to help small businesses who are struggling. Once again, Speaker Pelosi's misplaced priorities are hurting Michigan workers and job creators. https://t.co/iTU8DplHYI
— Rep Tim Walberg (@RepWalberg) December 1, 2020
Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL)
On the agenda for the House this week:
ā Legalizing marijuana
ā Exotic animalsNot on the agenda:
āAssistance for small businesses
ā#COVID19 relief fundingDemocrat priorities clearly do not include the American people or economic recovery. https://t.co/4degQwuqad
— Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) December 1, 2020
Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO)
Small businesses are still struggling and Americans still need help in the face of this pandemic.
But rather than advancing sensible legislation to help the American people, Speaker Pelosi is choosing to…
…ban tigers and legalize marijuana.
Americans deserve better.
— Rep. Vicky Hartzler (@RepHartzler) December 1, 2020
Rep. John Joyce (R-PA)
Americans are in a fight to save lives and livelihoods – and Speaker Pelosi is wasting time on legislation to legalize marijuana.
The Democrats' out of touch agenda is evidence that they have abandoned American families, workers, farmers, and small businesses. pic.twitter.com/H9qAl53l7C
— John Joyce (@RepJohnJoyce) December 1, 2020
Rep. Fred Keller (R-PA)
Back in May, House Dems rammed through a far-left "recovery package" that included the word "cannabis" more than "economy" or "jobs."
This week, the Speaker is holding a vote on recreational weed.
It seems like Nancy Pelosi cares more about Americans getting high than hired. https://t.co/zzQ80cluvl
— Congressman Fred Keller (@RepFredKeller) December 1, 2020
Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA)
As we continue to combat the pandemic, instead of bringing forward COVID-19 relief legislation to help small businesses or schools, this week House Democrats are prioritizing two bills to:
ā legalize marijuana
ā ban tiger ownershipYou canāt make this stuff up!
— Rick W. Allen (@RepRickAllen) December 1, 2020
Rep. French Hill (R-AR)
While Arkansans and Americans suffer, @HouseGOP is working to build a #COVID19 relief package.
Instead of working with us to extend the #bipartisan Paycheck Protection Program, @SpeakerPelosi is putting a bill to legalize #marijuana on the House Floor for a vote.#GetSerious pic.twitter.com/T5ewSpMaiK
— French Hill (@RepFrenchHill) December 1, 2020
Rep. Steven Palazzo (R-MS)
The Paycheck Protection Program was, and can still be, a lifeline for small businesses struggling from the impacts of COVID-19. Speaker Pelosi should put her marijuana and tiger-ban bills on hold & focus on addressing the real needs of Americans. pic.twitter.com/MvltnNOHjH
— Cong. Steven Palazzo (@CongPalazzo) December 1, 2020
The American people: We want COVID relief
Pelosi: I'll legalize marijuana & ban big cat ownership
Americans: COVID-19 relief will do
Pelosi: pic.twitter.com/injASPN6DE
— Cong. Steven Palazzo (@CongPalazzo) December 3, 2020
Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL)
“We haven’t voted on a defense bill. We haven’t voted on coronavirus relief, another round of stimulus, paycheck protection, opening schools (or) helping with additional PPE. None of that can get voted on but this stuff can.”
Rep. Jim Hagedorn (R-MN)
Another week in Congress, another week of @SpeakerPelosi delaying relief to American small businesses and workers. Whatās on the agenda instead? Marijuana legalization and the āTiger Kingā bill. pic.twitter.com/bYJIStweXM
— Congressman Jim Hagedorn (@RepHagedorn) December 2, 2020
Rep. Dan Bishop (R-NC)
Reminder: @speakerpelosi brought Congress back for:
⢠Legalizing marijuana
⢠Banning private ownership of tigers & lions
⢠Promoting legacies of GhandiBut not COVID relief.
We can deal with all this when Americans arenāt losing their jobs, businesses & livelihoods.
— Rep. Dan Bishop (@RepDanBishop) December 2, 2020
Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX)
So… Pelosi calls us in to vote on a Marijuana bill. Apparently that is their āCOVID relief bill.āPeople are hurting, businesses are failing, we have money already appropriated that Pelosi wonāt release & their answer is Marijuana? Sad…the inmates are running the asylum…
— Randy Weber (@TXRandy14) December 3, 2020
Congress is finally back in session and what did House Democrats decide to work on?
Not small business assistance.
Not consensus on a COVID relief bill.Instead, we get cannabis and catsļæ¼!
The American people need real leaders not circus ring leaders.
— Randy Weber (@TXRandy14) December 3, 2020
Rep. Greg Pence (R-IN)
Cats and Cannabis over COVID relief. š¤¦š¼āāļø @SpeakerPelosi has made her priorities clear…
Under Democrat leadership Congress is either Zooming it in or voting on irrelevant bills.
— Rep. Greg Pence (@RepGregPence) December 3, 2020
Rep. Mark Walker (R-NC)
We've been in Washington this week voting on Nancy Pelosi's priorities of tigers and marijuanaāall while millions of Americans and their small businesses suffer.
Democrats: Stop playing political games and start focusing on our workers and their families.https://t.co/tzKAD7Cg7q
— Rep. Mark Walker (@RepMarkWalker) December 3, 2020
Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA)
Nancy Pelosi needs to get her priorities straight.
Millions of Americans are struggling to pay bills & small businesses are shutting their doors for good & all she cares about is marijuana & tigers.
Delivering aid to Americans in need should be our only priority right now.
— Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (@GReschenthaler) December 3, 2020
Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO)
For too long #BigTech has gotten away with censoring conservatives. Instead of cats & cannabis, Pelosi must immediately bring up H.R. 7808, bipartisan legislation from @RepGosar which would amend #Section230 and prevent tech companies from baselessly censoring Republicans.
— Rep. Doug Lamborn (@RepDLamborn) December 3, 2020
BreakingšØ House Democrats just rejected a proposal by @HouseGOP to consider H.R. 8265, which would reopen the Paycheck Protection Program and allow America's 30 million small businesses to receive crucial aid. Shameful! Americans deserve better than cats and cannabis. pic.twitter.com/xP0zVHVaL4
— Rep. Doug Lamborn (@RepDLamborn) December 4, 2020
Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA)
Instead of passing legislation to support families, businesses, schools, hospitals, vaccine distribution and testing, Speaker Pelosi's top priority is a bill to change the name of marijuana to cannabis.
This type of leadership canāt continue. Thereās simply too much at stake.
— Congressman Dan Meuser (@RepMeuser) December 3, 2020
Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX)
Respectfully, thatās not what youāre trying to do, Congresswoman. @HouseDemocrats leadership brought the House into session this week to legalize pot and vote on the Tiger King bill. No stimulus. No COVID relief.
Actions speak louder than tweets. https://t.co/TqAqI1mrUe
— Rep. Arrington (@RepArrington) December 3, 2020
Rep. David Kustoff (R-TN)
Families and businesses across West Tennessee and our country need small business assistance and COVID-19 relief-not @SpeakerPelosi's bill to legalize marijuana. #LetsWork and focus on what is best for all Americans right now. pic.twitter.com/YKN2NS5JW0
— Rep. David Kustoff (@RepDavidKustoff) December 3, 2020
Rep. David Rouzer (R-N)
Under @HouseDemocrats leadership, the House has truly gone to pot this week: According to the CDC, people who are addicted to marijuana are 3 times more likely to be addicted to heroin.
Not on the agenda: relief for small businesses and families struggling due to COVID-19.
— David Rouzer (@RepDavidRouzer) December 3, 2020
According to the American Journal of Psychiatry, ācannabis use…was associated with a substantially increased risk of nonmedical prescription opioid use.ā
Something to remember as Democrats push ahead with vote to decriminalize marijuana on the House floor this week.
— David Rouzer (@RepDavidRouzer) December 3, 2020
As @HouseDemocrats pursue marijuana legalization, note this study, which āindicated that 44.7% of individuals with lifetime cannabis use progressed to other illicit drug use at some time in their livesā.https://t.co/Mag1p2MDA0
— David Rouzer (@RepDavidRouzer) December 3, 2020
As @HouseDemocrats push marijuana legalization instead of small business COVID-19 relief, remember: the @NIH states that regular marijuana use can reduce IQ by 8 points (which may be irreversible) and impairs memory and learning.
— David Rouzer (@RepDavidRouzer) December 3, 2020
Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI)
House Dems have prioritized marijuana legalization & a "Tiger King" bill instead of taking steps to make testing more readily available & promoting the use of vitamin D as a way for people to protect themselves. https://t.co/PYW9ATV8Fh
— Glenn Grothman (@GrothmanforWI) December 3, 2020
Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC)
Instead of helping provide relief to Americans dealing with #COVID19, @HouseDemocrats thought it would be a good idea to pass… a marijuana bill.
More smoke, zero substance.
— Team Joe Wilson (@TeamJoeWilson) December 3, 2020
Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX)
The historical low was adopting proxy voting, and putting a Marijuana bill on the floor of the House without an actual quorum present to do business… rather than having all members present working to help small businesses & America. #StandUpForAmerica https://t.co/B5gPnkZvtk
— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) December 3, 2020
The @HouseDemocrats are profoundly unserious about doing our job. Proxy voting in violation of the Constitution while putting flawed Marijuana legislation on the floor instead of small business relief. We should be here & we should be working. #StandUpForAmerica https://t.co/dYJhWk9jqL
— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) December 4, 2020
Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO)
Once again, House Dems are putting partisan games ā this time in the form of marijuana legalization & protection for exotic cats ā over COVID relief.
Meanwhile, $138 billion in unused #PPP funds continue to sit ready & waiting to help struggling biz. https://t.co/Yybs9Ga6jZ
— Blaine Luetkemeyer (@RepBlaine) December 3, 2020
Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA)
Small businesses across the country are struggling and the House is voting on…marijuana. https://t.co/j71Z9GqEOi
— Buddy Carter (@RepBuddyCarter) December 3, 2020
Rep. Daniel Webster (R-FL)
#FL11 small businesses need targeted relief from COVID-19 impacts, but instead @SpeakerPelosi and House democrats are focused on legalizing marijuana and regulating exotic animals. pic.twitter.com/6DXphhbIDX
— Daniel Webster (@RepWebster) December 4, 2020
Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC)
Yesterday, House Democrats continued to block a vote to extend the #PPP and instead voted on a Tiger King bill. Today, theyāre voting to legalize pot.
Workers and small businesses deserve better than Pelosiās priorities that put cats and cannabis over #COVID19 relief. https://t.co/icwLCuDVaZ
— Richard Hudson (@RepRichHudson) December 4, 2020
Rep. Billy Long (R-MO)
Instead of helping struggling Americans and small businesses during a global pandemic, Pelosi is too busy voting on cats and cannabis. More in this weekās #LongsShortReport: https://t.co/MpxVYodC8x
— U.S. Rep. Billy Long (@USRepLong) December 4, 2020
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN)
With an ongoing health and economic crisis, @SpeakerPelosi decided now was time to vote on marijuana legislation. Absolutely shameful, especially when we should be using what little time we have left this Congress helping small businesses and working families. pic.twitter.com/jlyKXXauJH
— Rep. Tim Burchett (@RepTimBurchett) December 4, 2020
Rep.-elect Barry Moore (R-AL)
@SpeakerPelosi and #Democrats first bill after the election is legalized marijuana and exotic tigers! Nothing to help #AmericaFirst businesses and #PPP we have a 139 billion unused $ in the cares act. We could release to help these struggling communities @FoxNews @MSNBC @OANN
— Barry Moore (@RepBarryMoore) December 1, 2020
Rep.-elect Diana Harshbarger (R-TN)
.@SpeakerPelosi
called the house back in session today to vote on marijuana legalization.Liberals are prioritizing their wish lists over relief for our small businesses.
Retweet if you think she should resign immediately
— Diana Harshbarger (@DHarshbargerTN1) December 1, 2020
Rep.-elect Lauren Boebert (R-CO)
Democrats are focused on cannabis & exotic cats while the American people are left to suffer. https://t.co/EwO3Pq4HZy
— Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) December 2, 2020
Rep.-elect August Pfluger (R-TX)
Speaker Pelosi is putting pot over people today with a vote to legalize marijuana. Completely out of touch with the priorities of the American people. Of course the Democrats now try to sneak this through after the election.https://t.co/zkp3wEV6Jp
— August Pfluger (@AugustPfluger) December 3, 2020
For the record, the spattering of references to the Netflix documentary “Tiger King” are about a separate piece of legislation the House is set to vote on that would restrict private ownership of tigers and other big cats.
Conservative Groups Call For Marijuana Legalization Ahead Of House Vote
Photo courtesy of Philip Steffan.
Politics
Top Pennsylvania Official Restores Marijuana Flag After GOP Lawmakers Allegedly Got It Removed

Lt. Gov. John Fetterman’s (D) marijuana and LGBTQ flags are waving again at his Capitol office after state officials removed them Monday night, allegedly at the behest of certain GOP lawmakers who feel strongly about the activist decor.
The day after their removal, the lieutenant governor proudly announced on Twitter that he’d restored the flagsāone rainbow-themed and the other displaying cannabis leaves.
“I really can’t emphasize this enough, my issue isn’t with the individuals that came to take them down. They’re kind of caught in the middle of it so it’s not them,” Fetterman told Marijuana Moment. “But the Pennsylvania GOP exerted enough pressure and made enough drama so they felt that they needed to do something and they took them down. When I realized that, I just put them back up.”
I even had to rehang this one. š pic.twitter.com/NPuADtb1Lt
— John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) January 26, 2021
The flags have been an unusual source of controversy for some members of the legislature. In November, Republican lawmakers passed budget legislation that included a provision targeting his cannabis-themed office decor, making it so only the American flag, the Pennsylvania flag and those honoring missing soldiers could be displayed at the Capitol building.
Itās kinda flattering that they changed Pennsylvania law just for me. š„ŗšš
Speaking of changing laws…
Iāll take them down when we get:
LEGAL WEED š© FOR PA + EQUAL PROTECTION UNDER THE LAW for LGBTQIA+ community in PA.
ā¬ļøš«š„š§šØš©š¦šŖ https://t.co/B8XMXqcVZJ— John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) November 20, 2020
“There’s one great way to get them down for good and we can end this,” the lieutenant governor said. And that’s by enacting legislative reform.
“It shouldn’t have to be this way. These are not controversial things. These are very fundamentally American things. It’s freedom-related. It’s individuality-related. It’s jobs. It’s revenue,” he said. “These are not controversial, but these flags are. For the party that thinks it’s A-OK to talk about how an election that was secure was rigged, they sure have a real thin skin when it comes to free speech.”
A spokesperson for the state Department of General Services confirmed to Marijuana Moment that it was tasked with removing the flags and did so “in order to comply with section 1724-E of the fiscal code.” Asked whether lawmakers from the legislature’s Republican majority influenced the recent action, the representative repeated: “All I can say is the Department of General Services removed the flag in order to comply with section 1724-E of the fiscal code.”
Marijuana Moment reached out to the offices of the Senate majority leader and House speaker for comment, but representatives did not respond by the time of publication.
Defying the flag order is par for the course for Fetterman, a longtime marijuana reform advocate who is weighing a run for the U.S. Senate. His enthusiastic embrace of the issue has often put him in the spotlight, and he said he’d take that advocacy to Congress if he ultimately decides to enter the race and is elected.
“I’m the only person that’s actually called out my own party for its failure to embrace it when it is appropriate,” he said, referring to his repeated criticism of the Democratic National Committee’s rejection of a pro-legalization platform. “There has never beenāor would ever beāa more committed advocate to ending this awful superstition over a plant for the United States.”
šØšØ PENNSYLVANIA *AND* DNC IS BEING LAPPED ON LEGAL WEED BY THE DAKOTAS NOW
— John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) January 26, 2021
On his campaignĀ website, the lieutenant governor touts his role in leading a listening tour across the state to solicit public input on the policy change. He noted that, following his efforts, Gov. Tom Wolf (D) āannounced his support for legalization for the first time.ā
It remains to be seen when legalization will happen in Pennsylvania, however. Despite Fetterman and Wolfās support for legalization and the pressure theyāre applying on lawmakers, convincing Republican legislative leaders to go along with the plan remains a challenge.
Fetterman previously told Marijuana Moment that pursuing reform through the governorās budget request is a possibility. But in the meantime the administration is exploring the constitutionality of issuing āwholesale pardons for certain marijuana convictions and charges.ā
Since adopting a pro-legalization position in 2019, Wolf hasĀ repeatedly called on the legislature to enact the policy change. Heās stressed that stressed that marijuana reform could generate tax revenue to support the stateās economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and that ending criminalization is necessary for social justice.
In September, he took a dig at the Republican-controlled legislature for failing to act on reform in the previous session. And in August, he suggested that the state itself could potentially control marijuana sales rather than just license private retailers as other legalized jurisdictions have done.
Fetterman previously said that farmers in his state canĀ grow better marijuana than people in New Jerseyāwhere voters approved a legalization referendum in Novemberāand thatās one reason why Pennsylvania should expeditiously reform its cannabis laws.
He also hosted a virtual forum where he gotĀ advice on how to effectively implement a cannabis systemĀ from the lieutenant governors of Illinois and Michigan, which have enacted legalization.
Shortly after the governor announced that he was embracing the policy change, a lawmaker filed a bill toĀ legalize marijuana through a state-run model.
A majority of Senate Democrats sent Wolf a letter in July arguing thatĀ legislators should pursue the policy change in order to generate revenue to make up for losses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Top New York Official Responds To Marijuana Advocates’ Criticism Of Governor’s Legalization Plan
Photo courtesy of Twitter/John Fetterman.
Politics
Hawaii Could Legalize Psychedelic Mushroom Therapy Under New Senate Bill

Hawaii could legalize the use of psychedelic mushrooms for therapy under a newly filed bill in the state legislature.
The measure, if approved, would direct the state Department of Health to āestablish designated treatment centers for the therapeutic administration of psilocybin and psilocyn,ā two psychoactive substances produced by certain fungi.
It would also remove the two compounds from the stateās list of Schedule I controlled substances and create a seven-person psilocybin review panel to assess the impacts of the policy change.
Few other specifics are provided in the bill, SB 738, introduced in the state Senate on Friday. It doesnāt specify who would qualify for the therapy, for example, or how precisely the drugsāwhich remain federally illegalāwould be administered. The legislation simply says the Department of Health āshall adopt rules” in accordance with state law.
The new legislation comes less than a year after Hawaii lawmakers introduced bills to begin studying the therapeutic use of psychedelic mushrooms with the goal of eventually legalizing them, though those measures did not advance.
Entheogensāincluding other substances like ayahuasca and ibogaineāhave emerged as a promising treatment for severe depression, anxiety and other conditions, although research remains ongoing.
In November, voters in Oregon approved a ballot measure to legalize psilocybin therapy that the state is now in the process of implementing.
The new Hawaii bill was introduced by Sens. Stanley Chang, Laura Clint Acasio, Les Ihara Jr. and Maile Shimabukuro, all Democrats. It has not yet been scheduled for a hearing, according to the state legislatureās website.
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Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 400 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.
Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
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The Hawaii proposal is one of a growing number of broader reform bills to have been introduced across the country this year as the debate on drug policy moves beyond marijuana. A measure introduced in New York earlier this month would remove criminal penalties for possessing small amounts of any controlled substance, instead imposing a $50 fine. Similar measures are expected to be introduced in California and Washington State this year.
A Florida lawmaker recently announced plans to introduce legislation to legalize psilocybin for therapeutic purposes in the state.
Lawmakers in New Jersey last month sent a bill to Gov. Phil Murphy (D) that would reduce criminal charges for the possession of psilocybin, but so far Murphy hasnāt signed the measure.
Voters, meanwhile, have been broadly supportive of drug reform measures in recent years. In addition to the psilocybin. measure, Oregon voters in November also approved an initiative to decriminalize possession of all drugs. Washington, D.C. voters overwhelmingly enacted a proposal to decriminalize the possession of psychedelics.
Despite the growing discussion of drug reform at statehouses across the country, some high-profile advocates are setting their sights on the 2022 election. Dr. Bronnerās CEO David Bronner, a key financial backer of successful reform efforts in Oregon, told Marijuana Moment last month that heās expecting both Washington state and Colorado voters will see decriminalization or psilocybin therapy on their 2022 ballots.
Meanwhile, a new advocacy group is pushing Congress to allocate $100 million to support research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.
New Psychedelics Reform Group Sets Sights On Congress As Movement Builds
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia/Workman
Politics
Minnesota Governor Urges Lawmakers To Pursue Marijuana Legalization Amid Budget Talks

The governor of Minnesota on Tuesday implored the legislature to look into legalizing marijuana as a means to boost the economy and promote racial justice.
During a briefing focused on his budget proposal for the 2022-23 biennium, Gov. Tim Walz (D) was asked whether he is open to allowing sports betting in the state to generate tax revenue. He replied he wasn’t closing the door on that proposal, but said he is more interested in seeing lawmakers “take a look at recreational cannabis.”
Not only would tax revenue from adult-use marijuana “dwarf” those collected through sports betting, he said, but legalization would also help address “the equity issue and, quite honestly, the racial impact of our cannabis laws.”
Watch the governor discuss marijuana legalization below:Ā
“I will say this, I will certainly leave open that possibility. Our neighboring states have done both of those things,” Walz said of legalizing sports gambling and cannabis. “I obviously recognize that that’s not a 100 percent slam dunk for people, and they realize that there’s cost associated with both. But my message would be is, I don’t think this is the time for me to say I’m shutting the door on anything.”
Walz did not include a request to legalize through his budget, however, as governors in some other states have.
The Minnesota governor did say in 2019, however, that he was directing state agencies to prepare to implement reformĀ in anticipation of legalization passing.
Earlier this month, the House majority leader said he would again introduce a bill to legalize marijuana in the new session. And if Senate Republicans donāt go along with the reform, he said he hopes they will at least let voters decide on cannabis as a 2022 ballot measure.
Heading into the 2020 election, Democrats believed they had a shot of taking control of the Senate, but that didnāt happen. The result appears to be partly due to the fact that candidates from marijuana-focused parties in the stateĀ earned a sizable share of votesĀ that may have otherwise gone to Democrats, perhaps inadvertently hurting the chances of reform passing.
House Speaker Melissa Hortman (D) said this month that “Senate Republicans remain the biggest obstacle to progress on this issue.ā
āMinnesotaās current cannabis laws are doing more harm than good,ā she told The Center Square. āBy creating a regulatory framework we can address the harms caused by cannabis and establish a more sensible set of laws to improve our health care and criminal justice systems and ensure better outcomes for communities,” she said.
Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R), for his part, said that while he would be “open to expanding medical use or hearing criminal justice reforms,” he doesn’t “believe fully legalized marijuana is right for the state.”
“Other states that have legalized marijuana are having issues with public safety,” he argued, “and we are concerned that we haven’t fully seen how this works with employment issues, education outcomes and mental health.”
Last month, the Minnesota House Select Committee On Racial Justice adopted a report that broadly details race-based disparities in criminal enforcement and recommends a series of policy changes, including marijuana decriminalization and expungements.
Another factor that might add pressure on lawmakers to enact the reform is the November vote in neighboring South DakotaĀ to legalize adult-use cannabis.
Also next door, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) is pushing lawmakers to enact marijuana reform and recently said that he isĀ considering putting legalization in his upcoming budget request.
New Mexico Governor Pushes For Marijuana Legalization In State Of The State Address
Photo courtesy of Philip Steffan.