Bill to allow marijuana use in federally assisted public housing – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

WASHINGTON — A new bill introduced on Thursday is seeking to permit the use of marijuana in federally assisted housing, including public housing and Section 8 housing.

Under current federal law, users of drugs that are illegal under federal law, including marijuana, are prohibited from being admitted into federally assisted housing.

Federal law also allows landlords to evict residents of federally assisted housing for illegal drug use. Marijuana, medical marijuana or both are currently legal in D.C., New Jersey and 37 other states, and over 90% of Americans support legalized medical marijuana.

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Marijuana in Federally Assisted Housing Parity Act.

“Individuals living in federally funded housing should not fear eviction simply for treating their medical conditions or for seeking a substance legal in their state,” Norton said. “Increasingly, Americans are changing their views on marijuana, and it is time that Congress caught up with its own constituents. With so many states improving their laws, this issue should…