US federal agencies will now be prevented from denying federal workers security clearances for cannabis use, and the criminal records of people convicted for non-violence cannabis offences will be expunged, thanks to a 220 to 204 vote in favour decriminalising marijuana.
Republicans Tom McClintock of California, Brian Mast and Matt Gaetz, both of Florida, joined the majority of Democrats in supporting the bill, while Democrats Henry Cuellar of Texas and Chris Pappas of New Hampshire voted against.
CCN reports that the Bill will also allow the Veterans’ Administration to recommend medical marijuana to veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder, plus gains revenue by authorising a sales tax on marijuana sales.
CNN article – House passes bill to federally decriminalize marijuana (Open access)
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
United Nations – and United States – reclassify cannabis as less risky narcotic
Luxembourg first in Europe to legalise cannabis; Canada sees mostly good results
SA medical and recreational cannabis industry poised to take off
Marijuana’s decriminalisation in America and South Africa – Implications