As Democrats prepare to retake the majority in the House of Representatives next month, one of the party’s highest ranking members has signaled his support for a marijuana reform bill.

Massachusetts Democrat Jim McGovern has signed on as a co-sponsor for the Marijuana Justice Act, a bill that would decriminalize cannabis nationally and punish states that do not allow legalization. This is a huge development since McGovern is set to become the House Rules Committee chair next month, a congressional committee that can essentially decide what bills or amendments are voted on by the House. McGovern’s predecessor at the position, Republican Pete Sessions, consistently prevented marijuana bills and amendments from receiving votes in the House. McGovern has already said he will allow cannabis proposals to receive votes in the House.

With McGovern signing on to the Marijuana Justice Act, the bill now has 43 co-sponsors in Congress. So perhaps Democrats will finally allow this bill to receive a vote in Congress once they retake the majority next month.

Many are hopeful that Democrats taking control of the House will lead to major developments with marijuana reform. And so far, it appears McGovern is onboard with that plan.

(h/​t Marijuana Moment)