Political Quotes

“One of the areas that has been most gratifying for me has been watching what has happened in a revolution in cannabis policy. Starting in 1996 with the State of California, we have watched States across the country have their voters step up to make legalization with medical marijuana and more recently with adult use. Additionally, there have been States that have taken action dealing with medical marijuana in a specialized form for children with extreme seizure disorders. So, in total, we now have 47 States that have some form of cannabis that is legal. We are watching the growth of this industry--a multibillion dollar industry. We are watching State after State move forward. Every one of us on the floor of the House who are here now represent areas that have taken action. We have had embedded in our legislation protections for medical marijuana, and this would simply extend that same protection to prevent the Department of Justice from interfering with adult use. I strongly urge that we build on the legacy that we have had in the past and that we move this forward to allow the Federal Government to start catching up with where the rest of the States are. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.”