Dr. Joyce Rejects Democrats? Push to Legalize Marijuana, Urges Action on COVID-19 Relief

Washington, DC Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) today released the following statement after voting NO on Democrats' legislation to legalize marijuana.

"As American communities face an alarming surge of drug abuse and addiction during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is reprehensible that Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats are pushing to legalize marijuana. Their out-of-touch legislative agenda not only demonstrates a blatant disregard for those struggling with the ramifications of the drug crisis, but it also is detracting from efforts to pass desperately-needed relief for families, workers, farmers, and small businesses enduring unprecedented challenges during this pandemic. Rather than waste time on partisan bills that have absolutely zero chance of becoming law, I implore Speaker Pelosi to allow the House of Representatives to refocus our efforts on delivering targeted aid for hardworking Americans."

The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act of 2019, H.R. 3884, would decriminalize marijuana and remove the drug from the list of scheduled substances under the Controlled Substances Act, as well as eliminate criminal penalties for an individual who manufactures, distributes, or possesses marijuana.

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