House passes ‘no welfare for weed’ bill

The House has passed a bill that could make it a little harder for people to use government welfare payments to buy marijuana in states where the drug is legal.

Supporters call it the “no welfare for weed” bill.

The bill would prevent people from using government-issued welfare debit cards to make purchases at stores that sell marijuana. It would also prohibit people from using the cards to withdraw cash from ATMs in those stores.

The House passed the bill Tuesday evening on a voice vote.

Pot smokers, however, could still use their benefit cards to get cash at other locations and then use it to buy marijuana.

A 2012 federal law already prevents people from using welfare debit cards at liquor stores, casinos and strip clubs.