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In a reversal from decades of policy, the House of Representatives voted to legalize marijuana on Friday, despite criticism from congressional Republicans about how big of a priority marijuana needs to be right now.
The bill, titled the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, would have been considered unthinkable a few decades ago, enjoys support from the vast majority of Democrats in Congress, and the House vote passed 220-204. The Senate is likely to vote along a similarly narrow, partisan margin.
The bill was vigorously opposed by some Republicans such as Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH), who took to the podium to rail against what he argued is a seriously skewed sense of priorities.
“The left will not let the Democrats do what needs to be done to help the inflation problem, the energy problem, the illegal immigration problem on our southern border, so what do they do? They legalize drugs. Wow. Wow!” Jordan railed.
Other opponents of the bill, such as Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN), who is a former police officer, spoke of having to make “devastating” official visits to families to inform them that a loved one had died in an accident from drivers who were intoxicated with drugs. These sentiments were echoed by Representative Cliff Bentz (R-OR), who also believed that there would be a rise in impaired drivers, Fox News reported.
The bill’s advocates say that federal legalization will end the tug-of-war with states over the matter, which has seen individual states passing legalization legislature that the federal government has been more or less powerless to stop. Most states now allow the drug in some capacity or other, although there is still a divide over recreational use versus medicinal usage based on prescriptions.
Proponents also allege that the bill will help with disproportionate punishments handed down to racial minorities and the poor for possession of marijuana, though most of those cases are actually handled by local police rather than the federal government.
According to The Hill, a Pew Research poll last year showed nearly 91 percent of Americans support legalizing marijuana at least for medicinal usage. Democrats have seized on this and seem to believe that it will be a winning message ahead of the midterm elections in November.
“This landmark legislation is one of the most important criminal justice reform bills in recent history: delivering justice for those harmed by the brutal, unfair consequences of criminalization; opening the doors of opportunity for all to participate in this rapidly growing industry; and decriminalizing cannabis at the federal level so we do not repeat the grave mistakes of our past,” said Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), has expressed support and even suggested that legalization is now a top priority, which may now become reality due to a slight Democratic majority in the Senate, a change from his last attempt in 2020.
However, it remains to be seen if the Democrat-controlled Senate, which has already proven incredibly vulnerable and tenuous at best, as shown in the various Build Back Better and infrastructure bills, would survive a Republican-led filibuster. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), whose states have been particularly hard hit by the opioid epidemic, have signaled doubts about the benefits of legalizing marijuana at the federal level.
In general, the more limited the scope of legalization (such as only allowing it for medicinal uses based on a prescription from a licensed physician) is expected to be more successful in the Senate than the broader legalization of marijuana for recreational use, suggested Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), who is a co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus.
This is not the first time a de-criminalization bill has passed the House. A similar attempt in 2020, which passed by a larger margin of 228-164, went on to stall out and die in the Senate.
It remains to be seen if this attempt will fare any better, as Blumenauer hopes, and whether or not it will matter much in the November midterm elections as many Democrats are clearly hoping.
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50 thoughts on “‘Wow. Wow!’ Jim Jordan goes OFF on cowardly Dem priorities as House votes to decriminalize marijuana”
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Really don’t care if it’s legalized or not🤷♀️ But – the Dems continue to think we are stupid and this will make us all happy! They are so wrong on so many levels and this stupid law does not matter to most of us that just want these Losers out of office! They have proven over and over again, that they do not want to fix the wrongs in this country, they just want to continue with the destruction of the USA! VOTE THEM ALL OUT! AND TO THE IDIOTS IN CALIFORNIA THAT CONTINUE TO VOTE FOR PELOSI – THE HOMELESS PEOPLE THAT LAY ON YOUR STREETS SHOULD ALL BE SENT TO YOUR HOMES‼️
JIM JORDAN FOR SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE👍
I agree with Democrats. War on drugs is a colossal failure and waste of resources. We can win this battle with far less resources and competent leaders. Republicans need to think asymmetrical “how to end multiple federal agencies.” This is a win-win for Republicans wanting to shrink this unprecedented federal abomination. States can still pass laws if warranted.
I read about a week ago. A person was saying the Government making marijuana legal. Well if they do that what all are they going to have to put into it ? what chemical’s and other Crap ? I say let the people if they want to smoke it grown thier own. They know there isn’t anything in it. It is like a Street Drug, you don’t know what is in that Capsul. The Government just wants to get into the money game.
Although I am for the legalization of marijuana, I do not believe it is a “top priority” as Chuck Schumer suggests. I think the Democrats are doing this to distract attention away from the DISASTER Joe Bidump has created since being installed as President.
There are 3 kinds of Liberal, Communist, America hating, immoral, corrupt, fact hiding, non-binary, queer loving, race baiting, lying, DemoRat and RINO Republicans’: 1) They don’t care what happens, they just hate Original American Values – 2) Their ignorant of facts or just ignorant, – 3) They want the destruction of America by any means possible, and promote all the above agenda’s,
Might be wrong, but I don’t believe it will pass in the senate. This is wrong on so many levels. Mary Jane is still the #1 Gateway drug, that leads onto the hard stuff. The only reason they’ve (the dems) done this is due to the fact that it will finish destroying the USA and glean the idiot college fool vote. I’ve posted earlier that the dem will do all they can to destroy the USA … this Mary Jane vote proves it.
The Dems are desperate for the young vote. Next will be a smoking zone for weed at high schools and middle schools. Along side the baby nurseries and the hormonal transitioning room. No more ROTC programs. Replaced by BLM, and Antifa training programs.
Next they’ll legalize prostitution and call it the American Harlot Protection act followed by The American Pedophile Protection Act! These Communists have absolutely no morality!
‘Cu with CoVid the bureaucracy no longer needs the “war on drugs” as an excuse to violate our Constitutional liberties & rights.
Biden & especially Kamala Harris are good examples of what happens to your brain & your character when you smoke Marijuana.
You become a jackass.
No, a “Rectal Giant” … aka arse hole.
What a great avatar they gave me. I was going to make a reasoned argument that I often make on this topic. Instead I’ll just say GFY BizPac.
O thing to worry. We are all being dumbed down and drugged us and politicians assume we are all fat dumb and stupid. You know like the democrats. Ugly is the new look. Check out democrat women celebrities. They are as fat and ugly as one can get.
Don’t forget the oversized glasses they wear !
The Dems are “CRAZY” AND want EVERYBODY to “teach” little kids “that” Mom& Dad are “not their friends”. “Their” school teachers” “KNOW” what’s best for them, BUT “DON’T TELL MOM & DAD”!”The schools” WILL “tell’ YOU”, that “you” are not a boy, or a girl. Too Boot , “the government” wants EVERYBODY on “pot” or any “other” DRUG to “fill” the government coffers with “stop gap” money to FUND this lunacy! “I” don’t care “what” YOU are. BUT “I” do “KNOW” that you people ARE EVIL. AND “IT’s” ALL coming from the Dems in Washington, D.C.! Come NOVEMBER, “AMERICA” better “WAKE UP”! These “bums” have got to “GO”. Biden “loves” EVERYTHING “that” goes against what EVERY WW2 Vet fought against. “WE” LOVE our FREEDOM, and “he’s’ destroying ALL of it!
Our son graduated from high school in the Beta Club, Honors Graduate and conservative … all went to crap in his 1st year of college.
The left is grasping at reaching any voter they can. I am speculating that 70% of adults in the U.S. now smoke pot. It is very sad that they have been taught that pot is not harmful, but it is. Very sad.
The thing the dems don’t tell the “pot heads” … is just how responsible they can become in the event of say a car accident. A friend got involved with a “20 something” in a car wreck, his car was totaled, and minor injuries, other driver was a fault. I advised him to subpoena his phone records and a blood/hair report to show any drugs. Driver was texting at the time of the accident, and positive for a mary/jane use at the time of the wreck. Driver’s insurance company was not pleased, but made good on all bills and replaced a 1 year old Rave 4 that was totaled with a new one. But today, being responsible isn’t taught on any grade level it seems.
This is part of how you control people. Like a pusher, you give them a taste then charge them to keep it coming, little by little getting them addicted so they will do anything to get their high.
Wasted, sitting for hours watching tv or movies. Sitting at the table chowing down on everything in site because you have the munchies. Unable to do your homework or lack of resolve to achieve your goals because your wasted. Driving and putting others in danger while tripping out with the music. Ignoring the destruction of America because you’re too high to care. Wasted while going to the polls to vote Democrat…priceless!
People who can’t handle their highs should definitely abstain and it shouldn’t be up to government to decide. I have smoked pot hundreds of times and driven a car without putting so much as a scratch on my car or anyone else’s car or property. There’s a difference between being stoned and being stupid.
They claim a bunch of Ridiculousness but the real reason is there worried about midterms and they’re trying to get votes don’t be fooled
Absolutely right!!!
If they legalize marijuana then the Reps should jump on the fact that thanks to Brandon no one will be able to afford it.
Excellent point!!!
THE DUMBING DOWN OF AMERICA CONTINUES TO PICK UP SPEED WITH THESE EVIL AHOLES ON THE LEFT !! F.J.B.
WOW indeed. It’s not like there are way more important issues that need to be resolved. Inflation, boarder security, energy, supply chain problem, foreign policies, trade are not important and pressing? What have we elected to govern this nation. Have the youngsters come home to roost? God help us, but I’m afraid it’s way too late.
California has already legalized marijuana but put draconian requirements on legal sellers and taxed the crap out of it. What this did is make illegal sales much more competitive at an even higher price. Now the Feds will want to tax it also…haha….and make it even better for an illegal grower/seller.
this rapid massive distruction of America is not an accident
democrat party is doing it on purpose
I wish more people would realize just how sobering and true your simple statement is. Progressives started in the 19th century, their goal to destroy America is rapidly coming. They are the true enemy of America.
Look, it should be legal and controlled just like alcohol
Ok – then it is a LOCAL issue just like alcohol – NOT. a federal issue
they have not even held a hearing for the FY 2023 Budget. !!!!!!!!!!!
All those states that had legalized pot and was making a killing off of pot tourist, just got screwed.
Exactly! It’s another excuse for the Democrats to tax people
Like anything there are responsible people who use it for medicinal reasons and those that will abuse it. Colorado found they had increased car accidents with stoners. Typical of Dems to make it racial issue when all races smoke pot. But they sure do love to throw the race card around.
Those people are getting into accidents because they are careless. I have smoked pot hundreds of times and drove a car without putting so much as a scratch on my car or anyone else’s.
The White House is not the only place the WAGGONER GROUP NEEDS TO VISIT!!
The cartels in central and South America are run by Marxists
Is it any wonder that The Democrats have gone soft in crime? They are paying back their own.
I certainly wouldn’t want Cheech or Chong to do my blood work nor riding with in a heavily loaded furniture truck on a secondary street going to a local convenient store. The word “Victimless” seems a bit absurd whenever the driver whose smoked or is smoking marijuana hits another ton truck because he’s impaired. Unfortunately, for me I was riding in a furniture truck delivering office desks when the driver who was smoking dopes truck mirror hit the mirrors of another truck passing by. Lucky for all riders, no one was seriously injured, but you can be sure I never rode in a vehicle when my driver was smoking dope. People who smoke marijuana always downplay the effects it has on their nervous system or their lungs. It still has enough carcinogens in it to cause cancer and a chronic cough and it impairs their vision and judgment. Victimless – I think not.
The marijuana today and the weed that was being consumed in the 60’s and 70’s are not even in the same category. The levels of THC way back then were about 2% and most people smoked the whole plant. What is being consumed today is anywhere between 15-20% THC depending on what you purchase and not the whole plant, just pure THC. This is not what God put on the earth for medicinal purposes so shut up!
You obviously didn’t know the right people and if you did today you would know 28-32% is what good weed is today just saying. I do agree weed should not be made legal is destroying the mental capacity of a generation and our country will pay a huge price now and in the long run.
Once they legalized it here our homeless addict problem blew up, people were literally coming here because they could smoke pot on the streets and almost a decade latter they are shooting up on the streets and not being arrested or fined. They leftist went one step further making it legal to posses a “personal use” amount of any drugs. And then we have RVs that are moving meth labs, TVs parked by schools selling heroine. It just got worse each year. Never would have thought passing pot laws would do that or those of us who bought into the idea that it would free up officers to focus on other drugs.
Smoking marijuana is, and, always has been, a victimless “crime”, so, even though there are many more urgent matters that Congress needs to address, I
m glad that peoples lives are no longer going to be ruined for inhaling a burning plant.Will some Republican “campaign ad consultant” PLEASE just make this a TV-ad?
medicinal use, no problem. Recreational use, forget about it. I dont want some stoner at core labs doing my blood work.
You are assuming since it is illegal, there are no stoners currently doing your blood work? Even if legalized, the employers could still enforce no-drug use policies to protect you.
Their poor but they can still afford to buy drugs? Interesting.
You know the local pot shop is the first stop ~33% of everyone that got those COVID stimie checks did after cashing them.
It’s already legal in SOCAL, so Nancy the pig piglosi needs to take her snout out of the federal govnmnt butt,,,,and this is a state issue not a federal issue,,,I never voted for her,and I’m in my 50s,,,,,,,,FJB,,,,,,,
sympl1
if you don’t proof read you have to edit,,,stupid spell check changes my words
Simple 1, maybe it should be a state issue – so it should be decriminalized on the federal level like your friend Nancy the pig wants.