This past Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a law that would decriminalize the usage of cannabis across the United States.
This law, known as the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act, was introduced about a year ago in the House, but was ultimately rejected by the Senate. This time around, this legislation will make policies and procedures in terms of expunging prior convictions from criminal records.
"This landmark legislation is one of the most important criminal justice reform bills in recent history," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., remarked this past Thursday.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 37 states, along with Washington, D.C. have put laws into effect that legalize medical marijuana. In addition, 18 states as well as Washington, D.C. have legalized marijuana for recreational reasons.
Despite the fact that this law has been passed regarding the decriminalization of marijuana, the Biden administration still appears to be against the usage of cannabis. In 2021, for instance, the White House conducted screenings on staff so that they could be tested for marijuana usage. Those who tested positive were asked to either quit or work remotely. And, although Biden had the chance to do away with cannabis restrictions in Washington, D.C., he chose not to do so.
In addition to the passing of this bill, several amendments were added to it, some of which were necessary for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to run a study on the "impact of the legalization of recreational cannabis by states on the workplace." They would also enable workers to remain up-to-date on policies and procedures in terms of the usage of cannabis.
Although the same bill was passed in 2020, it was prevented from doing so, since Republicans held a majority in the Senate. Now that mainly Democrats control the Senate, the bill could be passed. Regarding the bill's passing, Pelosi said, "There are so many discussions that have gone on over the years about the use of marijuana or cannabis or whatever. The fact is, it's being used."