Why it matters: The legislation would dramatically reshape U.S. drug policy and the war on drugs for decades, keeping pace with states across the country that have legalized marijuana. Leading the news: The bill passed the Parliament 220-204.

Three Republicans all but two Democrats voted in the bill: Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) And Brian Mast (R-Fla.)

Details: The Marijuana Reinvestment and Elimination Opportunity Act (MORE) would remove marijuana from the list of scheduled substances so that the cultivation, sale or possession of the drug would no longer result in criminal penalties.

It will also set up a process to eliminate convictions for non-violent marijuana use and to review criminal penalties for offenders. Finally, it would allow the government to provide loans to cannabis companies and impose a tax on cannabis products, the proceeds of which would go in part to aid programs for those “negatively affected by the war on drugs”.

What they say: “There is so much talk all these years about marijuana or cannabis use or whatever,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told a news conference on Thursday. “The fact is that it is used.”

He argued that Congress’s duty is to “look at how it is treated legally and not in a way that mistreats people at the lowest income level.” “So, it’s a fact of life that needed proper public policy to deal with it.”

The big picture: In a Gallup poll in November last year, 68% of Americans supported full legalization of marijuana, up from 34% in 2001.

Democrats and independents overwhelmingly supported it – 83% and 71% respectively – while Republicans were divided, 50% in favor and 49% against.

The other side: MP Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.) Argued in a speech Monday that the vote on marijuana legislation on issues such as inflation, gas prices and national debt shows that Democrats are ” out of contact “.

“I guess the majority want us to get as high as today’s gas prices and spend tax dollars on pot shops,” he said.

Next: Despite a unilateral vote in Parliament, legislation is likely to face a sharp battle in the Senate, although Senate Majority Leader Chuck Sumer has defended the marijuana legislation.

Like most bills, the MORE bill will be subject to a Senate vote, which means it needs 10 GOP votes to pass, even if all Democrats support it. Another hurdle could be the White House, as President Biden has taken firm steps to thwart legitimacy efforts. A Biden government spokesman did not respond to a request for comment.