Opposition Against Rep. Harris Focus of National Advocacy Effort

District of Columbia- Delegate Michael D. Smigiel, candidate for United States Congress in Maryland’s 1st District, is joining D.C. Councilman David Grosso and others to deliver remarks at the inaugural National Cannabis Festival at the festival grounds at RFK Stadium at 5:00 p.m. The National Cannabis Festival is the creation of cannabis policy advocates, business owners and enthusiasts. The festival, which officially begins at noon and runs through 8:00 p.m., recognizes the efforts of non-profit groups and industry advocates to end marijuana prohibition, provides an opportunity to connect with members of the cannabis industry from across the country, and provides a full day entertainment, food and drink. The festival doesn’t lose sight of its mission by dedicating a full pavilion that provides advocacy opportunities, education and spaces for vendors. In partnership with more than 20 advocacy groups, the event celebrates the loosening of cannabis bans and is making history as the first-ever National Cannabis Festival.

The Maryland 1st District Congressional Race is of national importance and serves as a barometer to gauge the mood of the country regarding removal of barriers for the cannabis industry. Harris is seeking re-election in a tough primary that Marylanders will be voting in on April 26th, and Del. Smigiel has released polling that suggests that when voters know of Harris’ votes, including his actions with cannabis prohibition, residents will not vote for Harris at an overwhelming majority. Industry supporters are upset because Congress renewed the prohibition on the District’s government from spending any funds to set up a legal market for marijuana distribution and taxation, a move lead by Congressman Harris. There is a deep seeded negative sentiment against Rep. Harris as he is seen as an exemplification of the worst of big government overreach when he interfered with District voters’ attempt to follow Colorado, Washington State and others in exercising political autonomy with Initiative 71. The initiative appeared on the ballot and was approved by voters, only to have Rep. Harris successfully lead the effort to block the District government’s implementation efforts. Since that time, several unintended consequences have resulted from Rep. Harris’ paternalism.

The District is still unable to tax and or otherwise control the manufacturing and distribution of marijuana thus is losing out on tens of millions of dollars of new tax revenue.

Harris’ vote against the District not only exemplifies the overreach of big government it is also indicative of an arrogance where elected servants of our government presume to have a better understanding of our needs than we, the electorate do. The ramifications are far reaching throughout Maryland’s 1stDistrict as well, affecting opportunities for the development of agricultural crops, business, and also resulted in a boycott of Ocean City, Maryland.

Harris’ disdain for any use of marijuana became evident when he voted against Blumenauer’s (OR-D) Amendment on HR 2029, which would have allowed Veterans to be prescribed medical marijuana to be used to treat PTSD, prevent suicides, and for pain.

The Republican Party has a hypocrisy problem when it condemns "big brother government" yet endorses the federal government when it overrules the will of the electorate as well as when that federal government stands between a wounded warrior and the medication his or her doctor deems most appropriate.

Smigiel said, “the reason we have a federal government and not a national government is so that individual states can experiment with policies and determine which are most beneficial to their residents. When big government acts as a national government dictating the policies to be followed, it puts politics ahead of principle, and party over people.” Smigiel further comments that “the principle of putting the Constitution, including the 10th Amendment to the Bill of Rights, ahead of the politics of big pharmaceutical companies or an outdated concept of a war on drugs based on a reefer madness mentality is what a true conservative should embrace.” In reference to veterans, Smigiel reminds leaders that voting to assure the health of our veterans is putting the people first; denying the veteran a medical treatment their doctor deems necessary is putting the ideology of the party first.

Smigiel calls out his challenger in the congressional primary and indicates that it is time for Congressman Harris to be accountable to conservative principles regarding smaller government and belief in an educated, free, electorate being able to make intelligent decisions about their own futures.

Congressman Harris stands in the way of our advancements in health, agriculture, and business in relation to the cannabis industry, Smigiel said. He points to the Tenth Amendment and emphasizes its assurance that these decisions rest with the individual states and prohibit the kind of paternalistic big government intrusion that is exemplified in the actions Harris has taken. Smigiel clearly addressed his challenger and said, “Harris must be taken to task for his interference this election cycle, in doing so the people will send the message that if congress ignores the Tenth Amendment they will be at risk of losing their seat”.

Individuals interested in joining the fight to remove Congressman Andy Harris from office should contact his campaign at info@smigielforcongress.com. Furthermore, individuals upset at Congressman Harris’ interference can donate directly to smigielforcongress.com.

Smigiel stated that “industry advocates across the county are united in sending the message to congress that antiquated thoughts of prohibition regarding cannabis will result in objectors being removed from public office. The industry has demonstrated that there is power in standing together while different states may pursue different courses of action, the states remain united in their agreement to defend their autonomy”. Join us on Saturday and stand united to send Andy Harris home by supporting Del. Michael Smigiel for Congress.

The National Cannabis Festival’s organizer, Caroline Phillips reminds patrons that "the event will be in full compliance with D.C. law” and cites that the festival “won't be promoting or approving of any on-site cannabis use."

Delegate Michael Smigiel is running for congress in Maryland’s 1st District against current congressman and prohibitionist Andy Harris (R). Del. Smigiel is a conservative leader in states rights policy towards cannabis reform. Smigiel, who co-authored Maryland’s ‘Decriminalization Bill’, continues to be a leader in proposing common sense medical and commercial cannabis industry policy. As a conservative, Smigiel has advocated for reform for marijuana agriculture, economic and health reasons.

The National Cannabis Festival, RFK Stadium, April 23 at noon. General admission $35. VIP $250. Tickets available via Ticketmaster.

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Delegate Mike Smigiel can be reached for comment at 410-920-0128 on his cell or via email at info@smigielforcongress.com