Democratic Congressman hopes for'very bipartisan support' on Marijuana Security Clearance and Military Reform Amendments

A Democratic Congressman believes that there could be “very strong bipartisan support” to the recently submitted marijuana-related amendments in a defense legislation, which includes his proposal to stop the denials of security clearances to federal jobs solely based on prior cannabis usage.

In an interview on MSNBC Sunday, Rep. Robert Garcia was asked about the amendment he had made to the National Defense Authorization Act. This is just one of many drug-related measures that both Democrats and Republicans have submitted. The House Rules Committee will be considering them this week.

The congressman called the current status “shameful”, and said it drastically reduces the pool eligible candidates for federal jobs based on a practice that is legal in almost half the states of the United States, including California, his home state.

He said that 155 millions Americans who live in these states could face problems with their security clearances, with military service, or with working at agencies like the Justice Department. Cannabis use is legal in those states. It’s time to fix this mistake–this harm that we have done to so many youths in this country.

These are talented individuals. Garcia stated that we need talented people. Our state has incredible people, and they deserve the chance to work in the federal government. They also deserve the clearances required for these important jobs.

The congressman also was asked about a separate NDAA Amendment from Rep. Matt Gaetz, (R-FL), that would ban drug testing for cannabis as a requirement to enlist in the military.

He said it showed that “there’s a possibility for bipartisanship” on cannabis issues even in a divided Congress, with Republicans controlling the House.

Americans who use marijuana in 21 states that have legalized it are currently denied federal security clearances.

This is why I am bringing forth an amendment to align the federal cannabis laws with the state laws. pic.twitter.com/I6dCFh8Kvh

Congressman Robert Garcia July 9 2023

He said: “I understand that Congressman Gaetz’s bill deals specifically with the military, while ours covers all federal agencies. I believe there can be a very bipartisan response.” “I think, at the end, that this is a problem that many Americans feel needs to be fixed.”

Garcia stated, “It’s shameful to me that there are people who want to join the military — that there are people in states where cannabis and marijuana use is legal — that can’t pass security clearances.” We have a chance to correct these injustices this week, and I hope that people on both sides will vote in favor of these amendments.

—

Marijuana Moment tracks more than 1,000 cannabis and psychedelics bills, as well as drug policy legislation in state legislatures. Patreon supporters who pledge at least $25/month gain access to our interactive charts, maps and hearing calendar.

Discover more about our marijuana bills tracker. Become a Patreon supporter to gain access.

—

The House Rules Committee will be able to determine whether the drug policy amendments are in order on Tuesday. The House included certain cannabis amendments in the NDAA last Congress. However, they were omitted following bicameral discussions with the Senate.

lawmakers were able to secure report language that instructed the secretary of defence to conduct a “study on the feasibility and advisability” of using certain pharmacologic therapies or potential plant-based treatments as an alternative to prescription opioids to treat PTSD, TBI or chronic pain.

The House Armed Services Committee has recently accepted Republican-led measures that would create a “pilot program” for medical marijuana and mandate a study on the therapeutic potential of psychoedelics among active duty military personnel under the U.S. Department of Defense.

Separately the Senate Appropriations Committee released a recent report for a spending measure which calls on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to facilitate medical cannabis access for veterans and investigate the therapeutic potential of psychoedelics.