10/25/2023
Mike Johnson's Record on and Implications for His new Speaker Role:
Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA), who currently holds the position of vice chair of the Republican conference, has consistently opposed cannabis-related legislation throughout his career. His stance on these issues may carry significant implications if he is elected as the new Speaker of the House.
In 2019 and 2021, Johnson voted against bills aimed at protecting banks that engage with state-licensed ma*****na businesses. These votes indicate his reluctance to support the cannabis industry's financial infrastructure, a stance that may face scrutiny in a legislative role of significant leadership.
One noteworthy exception to his anti-cannabis voting record was his cosponsorship of a coronavirus relief bill in 2020 that incorporated the text of the . This move was met with vocal opposition from some of his Republican colleagues, reflecting internal divisions on the issue within the party.
In 2019, Johnson voted against a spending bill amendment designed to shield all state cannabis programs from federal intervention. In 2020, he not only opposed this amendment but also did not vote on it, signaling his unwillingness to engage with the issue proactively.
Furthermore, in 2020 and 2022, Johnson was notably absent during votes on legislation seeking to federally legalize ma*****na. His non-participation in these crucial votes is indicative of his reluctance to support broader cannabis reform at the federal level.
Last year, Johnson's negative vote on a bill intended to streamline cannabis research showcased his opposition to expanding scientific exploration of cannabis. Additionally, his non-participation in a vote on an amendment preventing security clearance denials based solely on past ma*****na use raises concerns about his commitment to addressing the collateral consequences of cannabis prohibition.
Mike Johnson's consistent opposition to cannabis-related legislation suggests that, if elected as the new Speaker of the House, his leadership may not be conducive to advancing federal cannabis reform. His stance reflects the broader challenges and divisions that persist within the Republican Party concerning ma*****na policy. This record emphasizes the importance of understanding how individual lawmakers' positions can significantly impact the trajectory of cannabis legislation on the national stage.