Kevin McCarthy has a long record of opposing marijuana, both medical and adult-use, going back to his days in the state Assembly. The only good vote he has ever registered was in favor of the SAFE Banking Act this year. Known for his lack of principles, McCarthy led House Republicans in refusing to certify the 2020 electoral vote. If McCarthy becomes the next House Speaker, the chances of advancing meaningful cannabis reform in Congress are nil.
McCarthy had a perfect 0% voting record on marijuana issues in the state legislature, including a bill to decriminalize possession.
Going back all the way to his days as minority leader in the California Assembly, Kevin McCarthy has never cast a vote in favor of medical marijuana. In Congress, he repeatedly opposed the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment to protect California's laws from federal interference. He did, however, recently vote in favor of the SAFE Banking Act of 2019.
"This week, your House Democrat majority is tackling the tough issues by holding a vote on legalizing pot and banning tiger ownership. Nothing for small businesses. Nothing for re-opening schools. Nothing on battling the pandemic. Just cannabis and cats." 11/30/20
Kevin McCarthy refused to tell his constituents if he supports the federal government spending tax dollars to interfere w/ state-legal marijuana programs. In the past, he has voted to protect bankers who profit from cannabis but against the consumers themselves. (8/13/21)
On patient's right to try non FDA approved medications but not specifically marijuana, "The House will not let this be the end," Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy said in a statement. "We will try again, pass legislation, and bring hope to those whose only desire is the right to try to live."
3/14/18
2021: The Medical Marijuana Research Act, HR 5657
2021: The MORE Act, HR 3617
2021: The SAFE Banking Act, HR 1996
2020: The MORE Act, HR 3884
2019: The SAFE Banking Act, HR 1595
2019: Blumenauer/McClintock/Norton Amendment to Protect Legalization
2016: Veterans Equal Access Amendment
2015: Rohrabacher/Farr Amendment to Protect Medical