House Rules Committee Stalls Vote on Rohrabacher‑Blumenauer Medical Marijuana Protections
Last week the House Rules Committee prevented a vote on the Rohrabacher‑Blumenauer amendment, a provision that bars the Department of Justice from using federal funds to interfere with state‑authorized medical cannabis programs. Because the amendment must be renewed each fiscal year, the blockage keeps it from being included in the House’s version of the FY 2018 budget.
The amendment, first adopted in 2014, has been renewed in every subsequent appropriations cycle and currently shields patients, dispensaries, and related businesses in the 33 states (plus Washington, D.C.) that have legalized medical marijuana. According to a Congressional Research Service (CRS) brief, the provision protects roughly 2.2 million registered patients from federal prosecution as long as they comply with state law.
Lawmakers React to the Committee’s Decision
Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D‑OR) and Dana Rohrabacher (R‑CA) issued a joint statement condemning the move.
“By blocking our amendment, Committee leadership is putting at risk the millions of patients who rely on medical marijuana for treatment, as well as the clinics and businesses that support them,” the statement read. “This decision goes against the will of the American people, who overwhelmingly oppose federal interference with state marijuana laws. These critical protections are supported by a majority of our colleagues on both sides of the aisle. There’s no question: If a vote were allowed, our amendment would pass on the House floor, as it has several times before.”
The lawmakers emphasized that the amendment enjoys bipartisan backing, noting that it has survived multiple votes in the House despite shifting political tides.
Advocacy Voices Join the Call
Entertainer and activist Whoopi Goldberg added her voice to the effort, urging constituents to contact their representatives.
“I’m writing to you with an urgent request: that you join me in telling Congress to protect lawful medical marijuana patients and programs from Attorney General Jeff Sessions,” Goldberg wrote. “It is absolutely critical that we ensure these patients can continue to access their medicine.”
Goldberg’s appeal reflects a broader campaign by patient advocacy groups, medical professionals, and industry stakeholders who argue that federal interference undermines state‑level public health policies.
Senate Action Provides a Counterbalance
While the House stalled, the Senate Committee on Appropriations moved forward. In August the committee voted to include the Rohrabacher‑Blumenauer amendment in the FY 2018 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bill, preserving the protection for the remainder of the fiscal year.
This split‑chamber dynamic means the final outcome will depend on conference negotiations, where lawmakers from both chambers must reconcile differing versions of the budget.
Recent Update: Temporary Extension Secured
In a subsequent development, Congress approved a short‑term extension that keeps the amendment in effect through December 8 of this year. The extension provides a window for advocates to push for a longer‑term solution while patients continue to receive legal protection under state statutes.
Other Cannabis‑Related Measures Also Blocked
The House Rules Committee’s agenda last week included several additional amendments that were similarly halted:
- Protections for states with industrial hemp programs.
- A reduction in funding for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Cannabis Eradication Program.
- Increased access for researchers to study cannabis.
- Safe‑harbor provisions for financial institutions serving cannabis‑related businesses.
The DEA’s eradication program has faced criticism before. In 2015 Representative Ted Lieu (D‑CA) labeled the initiative a “ridiculous waste of precious federal resources,” noting that much of its activity targeted low‑THC feral cannabis—often referred to as “ditch weed”—which has negligible recreational or medicinal value and resembles industrial hemp.
Looking Forward
The fate of the Rohrabacher‑Blumenauer amendment now hinges on the upcoming budget conference and continued pressure from constituents, patients, and industry allies. Supporters argue that maintaining the provision aligns with public opinion—polls consistently show that a majority of Americans oppose federal intervention in state medical marijuana laws—and respects the principle of federalism.
For readers who wish to track the amendment’s progress or contact their representatives, the original reporting on this development can be found Here.
