Senator Wyden is a longtime proponent for the legalization of marijuana and is outspoken in his opinion. He frequently cites his admiration of Canada's policy regarding marijuana and believes the United States should follow their lead.
Holds office U.S. Senate
S.2227 - MORE Act of 2019
S.1552 - Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act
S.597 - Marijuana Justice Act of 2019
S.1028 - Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States Act 2019-2020
"Ultimately, I believe that cannabis should be descheduled with strong federal regulations put in place to protect public health and safety – that’s why I introduced the Cannabis Administration And Opportunity Act with Leader Schumer and Senator Booker. However, the recommendation of HHS to reschedule cannabis as a Schedule III drug is not inconsequential. If HHS’s recommendation is ultimately implemented, it will be a historic step for a nation whose cannabis policies have been out of touch with reality. At long last, barriers to much-needed research will be lifted and the inequitable 280E tax provision thrown in the trash can so that state legal cannabis businesses will no longer be treated like criminals and can deduct their business expenses just like any other small business. Progress cannot stop here. The administration and my colleagues in Congress must do more to bring America’s cannabis policy into the 21st century, catch up with the states, and help undo the decades of harm caused by the failed War on Drugs." (August 30, 2023).
"Veterans in Oregon and nationwide are unfairly and unacceptably stuck in a legal gray zone when discussing medical cannabis with their doctor. Veterans deserve the opportunity to explore various treatments with their doctor without fear of prosecution or employment ramifications. The Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act would protect veterans who use medical cannabis while also directing the VA to research how medical cannabis could help veterans manage their health and well-being. I’ll fight tooth and nail to get this bill over the finish line and help get veterans the care they deserve and earned with their service. Outdated laws should not arbitrarily preclude VA doctors from prescribing the treatment that’s best for veterans. Our veterans have given too much to be met with roadblocks to the care they need." (April 20, 2023).
(10/17/18) “Canada has recognized what Oregonians already understand: cannabis prohibition is a failed policy that wastes resources and destroys lives.
Here in the United States, more and more states are following the lead of Oregonians and legalizing cannabis. Americans across the country, and across party lines, support ending this misguided federal prohibition. Their support has never been stronger and is still growing. Despite this progress, the federal government has yet to provide the reforms we so desperately need. It’s time that changed. Congress should seize the moment, do the right thing, and end the federal prohibition on marijuana once and for all by responsibly regulating and taxing cannabis like any other legal substance.
Now that our neighbor to the north is opening its legal cannabis market, the longer we delay, the longer we miss out on potentially significant economic opportunities for Oregon and other states across the country.”
He cited "the problems faced by marijuana businesses, medical marijuana researchers, people legally consuming marijuana. With our bill, people won't be committing federal crimes if they follow state marijuana laws."
http://www.opb.org/news/article/ron-wyden-support-federal-legalization-hopeful-sign/
Wyden said people of color around the U.S. are convicted for marijuana crimes that millions of other Americans also commit without facing the same consequences. "It's just wrong, wrong, wrong."
12/18/17
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2017/12/18/sen-ron-wyden-cosponsors-bill-legalize-marijuana-across-u-s/962065001/
Email: wyden@wyden.net
Web: https://www.standtallforamerica.com
Phone: 202-224-5244
221 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510