"I support legalizing and regulating the responsible use of marijuana by adults. Legalization and regulation provide a structured framework to manage the use of marijuana, ensuring safety, quality, and accountability. It allows adults to make informed decisions about their consumption while mitigating the risks associated with an unregulated market. Regulation also facilitates taxation, generating revenue that can be directed towards essential public services such as education, healthcare, and drug abuse prevention programs. Moreover, legalizing marijuana for responsible adult use promotes individual liberty and reduces the burden on law enforcement resources. It eliminates unnecessary arrests and criminal records for possession, thereby sparing individuals from the lifelong consequences of criminalization. Additionally, regulation ensures that marijuana products meet quality and safety standards, protecting consumers from contaminants and ensuring accurate labeling of THC potency. It also supports research into marijuana's potential benefits and risks, leading to better-informed public health policies. Furthermore, legalization recognizes the changing societal attitudes towards marijuana and aligns with the principles of harm reduction. It allows for education campaigns on responsible use and helps destigmatize marijuana consumption, fostering a more open and honest dialogue about drug use in our society. In summary, legalizing and regulating the responsible use of marijuana by adults is a progressive step that promotes public health, individual freedom, and social justice. It represents a balanced approach to drug policy that prioritizes harm reduction, consumer protection, and economic opportunity while respecting personal choice and autonomy." (Candidate Survey Response)

"I fully support legalizing marijuana. The current situation where marijuana remains illegal at the federal level while a majority of states have moved to legalize it either for medical or adult-use purposes creates unnecessary tension and inconsistency in our legal system. Federal prohibition hampers states' rights to regulate cannabis according to the preferences and needs of their residents, forcing states into a legal gray area that complicates enforcement, taxation, and access to safe products. Ending federal prohibition would allow states to fully implement and regulate their cannabis policies without fear of federal intervention. It would also enable scientific research into the potential benefits and risks of marijuana, which is currently hindered by its Schedule I classification under federal law. Moreover, it would align federal policy with the growing public acceptance and understanding of marijuana's medicinal and recreational uses. Furthermore, ending federal prohibition would have positive economic impacts by creating new industries and jobs related to cannabis cultivation, processing, and retail. Tax revenues generated from legal cannabis sales could be directed toward public health, education, and substance abuse prevention programs." (Candidate Survey Response)

"I fully support the automatic expungement of non-violent marijuana possession convictions. It’s not enough to just decriminalize non-violent marijuana possession, we must make sure we rectify past injustices. Too many people have had their lives ruined by non-violent marijuana possession convictions, and it generally tends to be people of color, low-income, or otherwise historically disadvantaged groups. The effects are disproportionate and have a long-lasting negative impact that can make it hard for those convicted to get their lives back on track." (Candidate Survey Response)

"I support decriminalizing the simple possession of marijuana. Decriminalization of marijuana possession is a pragmatic approach to addressing the disproportionate impact of drug laws on individuals and communities. It acknowledges that the criminalization of marijuana possession has led to significant social and economic costs, including unnecessary incarceration, criminal records that hinder future opportunities, and disparities in enforcement that disproportionately affect marginalized groups. Decriminalization does not mean condoning marijuana use but rather prioritizing public health and harm reduction over punitive measures. By removing criminal penalties for simple possession, we can redirect law enforcement resources towards more serious crimes and focus on prevention, education, and treatment for substance use disorders. Moreover, decriminalization allows individuals caught with small amounts of marijuana to avoid the lifelong consequences of a criminal record, such as barriers to employment, housing, and education. It promotes fairness and equity in our justice system by reducing disparities in enforcement and addressing the racial and socioeconomic biases that have historically influenced drug law enforcement. Decriminalization also aligns with evolving public attitudes towards marijuana, recognizing that punitive measures alone are ineffective in addressing substance use issues. It represents a step towards a more sensible and compassionate approach to drug policy, emphasizing public health, individual rights, and social justice. Decriminalizing the simple possession of marijuana is a necessary reform that promotes fairness, reduces unnecessary penalties, and prioritizes effective strategies for addressing substance use within our communities. It reflects a commitment to evidence-based policy and a recognition of the need for a more equitable justice system." (Candidate Survey Response)

"I support the legalization of medical marijuana. Legalizing medical marijuana is a compassionate and sensible approach to healthcare. It provides patients with chronic conditions access to potentially effective treatments that may alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life. For many patients suffering from conditions like chronic pain, nausea from chemotherapy, or muscle spasms related to neurological disorders, medical marijuana offers a promising alternative when conventional treatments fall short. Moreover, legalizing medical marijuana allows healthcare professionals to recommend it as a viable treatment option, empowering them to provide comprehensive care tailored to their patients' needs. This approach not only respects patients' autonomy but also promotes safer pain management practices by offering an alternative to addictive opioids. Regulating medical marijuana ensures that patients receive safe and consistent products, mitigating the risks associated with illicit drug markets. It also fosters scientific research into marijuana's therapeutic benefits, potentially unlocking new treatment possibilities and improving our understanding of its medical applications. Legalizing medical marijuana is a compassionate step forward in healthcare policy, supporting patients' access to effective treatments and promoting responsible medical practices. It reflects a growing recognition of marijuana's potential health benefits and underscores the importance of patient-centered care in our healthcare system." (Candidate Survey Response)

H.R.5601 - MORE Act

H.R.8901 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for the designation of institutions of higher education as Centers of Excellence in Cannabis Research, and for other purposes.

Email: shri@shriforcongress.com

Web: https://thanedar.house.gov/

Phone: 202-225-5802