Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to extend protections for state medical marijuana programs through December 22. The provision, known as the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer amendment, was continued in legislation to fund the government for two weeks. This short-term funding legislation now advances to the Senate.

Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus and champion of the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer amendment, released the following statement:

“While we are pleased that these critical protections will continue, two weeks is not enough certainty for the millions of Americans who rely on medical marijuana for treatment and the businesses who serve them. As Congress works out a long-term funding bill, it must also include these protections. And ultimately, Congress must act to put an end to the cycle of uncertainty and permanently protect state medical marijuana programs—and adult use—from federal interference. The American people have spoken. It’s past time that Congress catch up.”