Republican Congressman Wants To Scale Back Bill On Marijuana-Related Fed Employment Protections

Republican congressman James Comer, a chair of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, wants to change the bipartisan Cannabis Users’ Restoration of Eligibility (CURE) Act, which aims to remove cannabis-related protections for federal workers.

What Happened: Comer confirmed Friday that the Committee will vote on the CURE Act on Wednesday. He proposed changes to the bill that would largely scale back the legislation and then filed an amendment that would remove some of the key provisions.

Current Use - Out

Under the proposed version of the CURE Act both current or past marijuana use “may not be used in any determination with respect to whether such person” can be a federal employee or obtain a security clearance. Comer seemed concerned about the word “current” so his amendment wants to remove it. He is basically proposing that employment protections would be reserved only for those who once consumed marijuana, while those who are using it at the moment will not be eligible for either federal employment or security clearance.

Nevertheless, Important Reform 

Surprisingly, congresswoman Nancy Mace (R), a co-sponsor of the bill and a long-time marijuana advocate told Marijuana Moment that she “plans to support the chairman’s ANS.” 

While many cannabis proponents could be disappointed by the proposed scaling back if the CURE Act passes, it would also mark an important step and a move for larger marijuana reform. It is also possible the changes were proposed to garner more support for the bill. 

According to the committee spokesperson, the idea behind the amendment was to “ensure this legislation is consistent with most federal agencies’ default policy and just applies to prior marijuana use,” writes the outlet. 

“This codifies emerging federal policy regarding how to treat prior marijuana use when determining suitability for a security clearance or Federal employment and clarifies the hiring process for the many young, technically capable applicants that are currently dissuaded from applying to government jobs due to conflicting and confusing policies,” the spokesperson added.

What’s Next: Committee markup is scheduled for Wednesday, the members’ sentiment will set the course for the bill.

Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference 

The results of this markup and many other important industry reforms will be tackled by marijuana experts and veterans at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference. The place where deals get done is returning to Chicago this September 27-28 for its 17th edition. Get your tickets today before prices increase and secure a spot at the epicenter of cannabis investment and branding.

Photo: Benzinga edit with images by Kindel Media on Pexels and Wikimedia Commons