New legislation introduced in the US last week seeks to ease federal restrictions on employees who are past or current cannabis users.
The Cannabis Users Restoration of Eligibility (CURE) Act, introduced by two bipartisan lawmakers, would prevent any past or ongoing cannabis consumption from being used as a reason for employees to be found unsuitable for federal employment or a security clearance.
If passed, it would also be applied retroactively, enabling those who have previously been dismissed on these grounds to appeal.
Democratic Senator Jamie Raskin, who introduced the bill alongside Republican Representative Nancy Mace, said: “I am proud to partner with my friend Representative Mace to introduce the bipartisan CURE Act that will eliminate the draconian, failed and obsolete marijuana policies that prevent talented individuals from becoming honourable public servants in their own government.”
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High Times reported that the CURE act has also garnered support from a number of justice reform advocates and cannabis industry groups, including Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP), NORML and the US Cannabis Council.
“Millions of patriotic, conscientious Americans use cannabis legally each year, but they are consistently penalised by outdated federal regulations,” said Ed Conklin, executive director of the U.S. Cannabis Council. “We strongly support the CURE Act because it will bring federal employment policies into line with the views of most Americans. Cannabis use should never prevent a qualified candidate from serving his or her country as a federal employee.”
