No Food Stamps For Pot, Colorado Republicans Says

Legislation would bar use of public assistance payments for recreational marijuana

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Republicans in Colorado are looking to make sure people can’t use food stamps to purchase the state’s newly legalized recreational marijuana.

State lawmakers introduced legislation this week that would bar residents from using public assistance payments at any of the state’s dispensaries, the Associated Press reports, which starting this month are allowed to sell marijuana for recreational purposes.

State Rep. Jared Wright, a Grand Junction Republican, called the bill “a statement,” saying pot-users should not use government money to buy the substance, which remains illegal under federal law. Vendors have not reported residents using food stamps to buy marijuana products, the AP reports.

The bill, which will be heard in a committee Jan. 15, also bans using food stamps at adult entertainment establishments “in which performers disrobe.”

[AP]