The House Republican Policy Committee announced its formal opposition to the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act and the Cannabis Users' Restoration of Eligibility (CURE) Act, denouncing both measures that seek to integrate the marijuana industry into the federal banking system and remove past cannabis use as a hindrance to federal employment and security clearances.

CURE seeks to remove cannabis-related protections for federal workers.

In the recent report, the advisory committee took a shot at Vice President Kamala Harris’s comments that cannabis brought “joy” when she was a 2020 presidential candidate. The committee argued cannabis is a "hazardous drug with short and long-term impacts," citing high THC levels.

These complex issues involving political disagreement over the very essence of cannabis and broader views on how, when, where and why to legalize, reschedule or decriminalize it are constantly on the minds of stakeholders across the board in this dynamic industry.

That said, you can expect to hear from these experts, including national politicians such as former Colorado congressman Ed Perlmutter and former Colorado senator Cory Gardner, about this issue at the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference on April 16-17 in Florida.

Diverging Positions Within GOP

The GOP committee’s stance is the polar opposite of the consistently bipartisan support for both SAFER Banking and CURE as well as positive endorsement from within the party’s ranks, with Reps. Tom McClintock (R-Calif) and Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) supporting cannabis reform.

The guidance, meant to clarify the GOP caucus's approach to marijuana policy issues, describes the history of prohibition and the state-by-state legalization movement.

Despite bipartisan backing, with the CURE Act passing the House Oversight Committee and multiple versions of the SAFE Banking Act passing the House and approved in the Senate in August 2023, the committee insists on stringent enforcement of existing marijuana laws. Members assert cannabis should be recognized as a “gateway drug” that jeopardizes cognitive function and contributes to workplace challenges.

Marijuana Moment, which first reported this story, sought comments from Reps. Mace and McClintock but did not receive an immediate response.

The committee’s guidance concluded on a stern note, advocating for stringent marijuana policies, thereby highlighting the continuing divide within the Republican Party on cannabis legislation.

"Instead of turning a blind eye to the dangers associated with marijuana and allowing states to have dispensaries on every corner, Congress should work to ensure that laws in relation to marijuana are enforced," the committee wrote.

The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is returning to Florida in a new venue in Hollywood on April 16 and 17, 2024. The two-day event at The Diplomat Beach Resort will be a chance for entrepreneurs, both large and small, to network, learn and grow.

Renowned for its trendsetting abilities and influence on the future of cannabis, mark your calendars — this conference is the go-to event of the year for the cannabis world. Get your tickets now on bzcannabis.com – Prices will increase very soon!

Photo: Benzinga edit with images by Kindel Media and 12019 on Pixabay