WASHINGTON, DC– Today, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) issued the following statement after voting against H.R. 3884, the MORE Act:

“Over the last several years, I’ve been proud to lead the effort to protect the rights of states across the country, like Ohio, that have voted to implement responsible, common-sense cannabis policies. I firmly believe we need to clarify cannabis policy on the federal level and allow states to determine their own policies without fear of federal repercussion.

“However, this partisan bill deprived us of the opportunity to do just that. There are several bipartisan proposals that have the chance to actually become law and help the thousands of businesses, workers, and patients that rely on the cannabis industry. By bringing the MORE Act up for a vote instead, Congress is failing to enact sensible and meaningful cannabis reforms.

“That’s not to mention the fact that government funding runs out in seven days and we have yet to finalize a funding deal or a much-needed COVID-19 relief package. I’ve heard from hospital systems that are overwhelmed, small business owners who are struggling to keep their doors open, and workers who have lost their jobs. There are only four more days Congress is scheduled to be in session this year. Congress needs to stop playing partisan messaging games and get to work.”

Joyce has worked throughout the 116^th Congress to reform the federal government’s outdated policies on cannabis. In addition to addressing cannabis policies through his position on the House Appropriations Committee, Joyce voted for the SAFE Banking Act in September of 2019. Earlier that same year, Joyce introduced the STATES Act alongside his fellow Co-Chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, Rep. Earl Blumenauer (OR-03). The legislation was also introduced in the Senate by Senators Cory Gardner (CO) and Elizabeth Warren (MA).

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