Marijuana: What Republican Rep. Jason Lewis Thinks

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jason Lewis, who represents the south Twin Cities metro, is working to bar the use of federal funds for prosecuting people in compliance with their state’s medical marijuana laws.

In total, eight states have passed recreational marijuana laws, including Massachusetts, California, Washington, Colorado, Maine, Alaska, Oregon and Nevada, as well as Washington, D.C.

Use of the drug is still prohibited under federal law.

Under the Obama administration, the Justice Department department declined to challenge states that legalized its use.

“In Gonzales vs. Raich, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that ‘if Congress can regulate this [marijuana not bought, sold, or crossing state lines] under the Commerce Clause, then it can regulate virtually anything–and the Federal Government is no longer one of limited and enumerated powers," Lewis said in a statement.

"I agree," he said.

"Where states have made laws about marijuana, especially medical marijuana, the federal government has no business sending the FBI and Department of Justice in to prosecute people in full compliance with their state’s law."

"I look forward to continuing to work for states’ rights as our Constitution outlines."

Background

Lewis signed a letter led by Rep. Dana Rohrabacher to the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations subcommittee Chairman and Ranking Member encouraging them to include language barring use of funds for prosecuting people in compliance with their state’s medical marijuana laws.

He is also a co-sponsor of H.R. 975, the Respect State Marijuana Laws Act, which promotes state’s rights to make their own marijuana laws, according to a news release.

Additionally, Lewis has co-sponsored the Compassionate Access Act, H.R. 715, which directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to recommend a rescheduling of marijuana from Schedule I to another classification to allow for further research regarding medical marijuana treatments.

It also protects patients, doctors and caregivers who are using medical marijuana in compliance with their state’s medical marijuana laws.

Cody Fenwick (Patch National Staff) contributed to this report.

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