A key House committee on Monday cleared a series of cannabis and psychedelics-related amendments for floor votes as part of large-scale spending legislation. That floor action could happen as soon as Tuesday. However, the panel also blocked two measures on housing protections for cannabis consumers that legalization supporters hoped to see advance. One of the most notable amendments the House Rules Committee allowed to move forward for possible attachment to appropriations legislation would remove a rider that advocates say has restricted federal funds for research into Schedule I drugs, including psychedelics such as psilocybin, MDMA, and ibogaine. The reform measure is being sponsored by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and it targets the 1990s-era provision that’s long been part of spending legislation for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The congresswoman attempted to eliminate the language via an amendment in 2019 only to have it defeated by Republicans as well as a majority of her party. But it’s far from the only measure being proposed this appropriations season when it comes to drug policy matters. Some are being backed by reform advocates, while others have received sharp criticism. One pro-reform amendment that’s advancing would encourage the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve rules allowing CBD as a dietary supplement and food ingredient.
Kyle Jaeger, Marijuana Moment, 07/26/2021 20:35:00