The so-called "no welfare for weed bill," which would block pot shops from accepting welfare debit cards, passed the House of Representatives Tuesday.
The Preserving Welfare for Needs Not Weed Act aims to close the loophole that was created when states such as Washington and Colorado legalized the recreational sale of marijuana, Rep. David Reichert, the bill's main sponsor, said on the House floor, according to a video of his remarks posted on his YouTube page.
A federal law passed in 2012 forces states to prevent welfare recipients who benefit from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program from using their assistance at casinos, liquor stores and strip clubs, but it does not cover pot shops, the Republican from Washington, said.
