Up in Smoke? Vote to Legalize Pot Becomes Hazy Amid Stalled Stimulus, Democratic Pushback

Democrats really want to legalize marijuana at the federal level—a landmark vote that would be historic. Years ago, such a move would have been virtually unthinkable, given public attitudes toward the drug.

But there is mounting pushback to nix next week's planned vote in the House to give cannabis high praise among rank-and-file members, particularly those in swing districts. The dissent could threaten Democratic leadership's plans to vote on what's dubbed the MORE Act (Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement).

Vulnerable Democrats fear the optics of passing a weed bill amid...