10 notable Republicans in Congress support cannabis legalization

The majority of Americans are in favor of some form of legalization of cannabis. This statistic, combined with other new perspectives on cannabis, has led several Republicans in Congress to speak out in favor of legalizing marijuana.

A number of Republicans recently endorsed or expressed their continued support for the further legalization of cannabis. Some live in states where cannabis is a major industry, while others apply for veteran medical marijuana approval.

There are several reasons for the shift among some conservatives. Regardless of their personal motivations, Republicans are noisy changing their attitudes towards cannabis. Here is a list of 10 notable Republicans in Congress who have supported some form of marijuana legalization.

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Dave Joyce, Ohio

Joyce is Co-sponsored a GOP plan that would regulate marijuana like alcohol and allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to prescribe cannabis treatments to veterans, according to NPR.

Joyce proposed what is known as the Common Sense Cannabis Reform Act for Veterans, Small Businesses and Healthcare Professionals. The legislation is the first of its kind by a Republican Congressman, and its views have the potential to change Republican attitudes towards cannabis reform.

Don Young, Alaska

Don Young was the other co-sponsor of the cannabis reform bill alongside Joyce. “This law is not perfect, but it takes important steps to protect our personal freedoms and freedoms.” Young tweeted regarding the law. Young has also urged his congressional colleagues on both sides to unite on this bill in order to move in the direction of what he sees as freedom.

Today I helped the House of Representatives pass the most significant #Cannabis Reform Act in decades – the #MOREAct. This bill is not perfect, but it requires important steps to protect our personal freedoms and freedoms. THREAD: pic.twitter.com/3ey5RcY0VP

– Rep. Don Young (@repdonyoung) December 4, 2020

Young was also one of only five Republicans to vote for the MORE bill, which aims to decriminalize marijuana.

Brian Mast, Florida

Brian Mast was another Republican who voted for the MORE Act. The Florida congressman is also known for buying cannabis stocks from time to time.

RELATED: These Congressional Republicans Support the Cannabis Industry

“Congressman Mast has long been a proponent of federal decriminalization of marijuana.” said a spokesman for Mast.

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Matt Gaetz, Florida

Matt Gaetz, also from Florida, also voted for the MORE Act. Gaetz has spoken publicly about his opinion on marijuana, saying it is time for his Republicans to change their minds about cannabis.

“The American people do not support the policy of incarceration, limited research, limited choice, and particularly restrictive medical use.” said Gaetz.

Greg Steube, Florida

Greg Steube is a third Florida Congressman to support the legalization of cannabis. Steube did not vote for the MORE Act but did support other cannabis laws.

Steube is a strong advocate of giving veterans access to medical marijuana, and recently passed amendments to support veterans’ use of government-approved medical marijuana programs.

Tom McClintock, California

Tom McClintock holds a unique position on marijuana as a Republican in a blue state with a long cannabis history. As the Republican representative of a region of California known for its cannabis agriculture, McClintock stands by his constituents on the cannabis issue.

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During a debate in 2003 when he was running for governor, McClintock said regarding Proposition 215, which legalized marijuana: “The Californian people have been very clear on this issue. The federal government has no right to intervene. “

Guy Reschenthaler, Pennsylvania

Guy Reschenthaler was a co-sponsor of the SAFE Banking Act, which gives banks permission to do business with the cannabis industry. He recently reintroduced the “clean slate” law with great enthusiasm. This law would help seal up convictions, including non-violent marijuana offenses.

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Thomas Massie, Kentucky

Thomas Massie has a long track record of helping cannabis, particularly with gun ownership. Massie was also quoted as saying that he believes the first party to fully support marijuana will gain considerable popularity and favor.

When asked by Fox Business about legalizing cannabis, Massie said: “The first party to do this – and I don’t understand why neither party does this – will immediately win 10 points in the general poll of which party is versus the other party.”

Denver Riggleman, Virginia

Denver Riggleman was recently defeated by his Democratic opponent in November. Before he resigned from office, he voted for the MORE act. Riggleman has been in the limelight since leaving office, advocating the Veterans Cannabis Project.

“The states should be responsible for their own marijuana laws, it shouldn’t be the federal government.” said Riggleman.

Justin Amash, Michigan

Congressman Justin Amash also voted for the MORE Act as a Republican. Since then, Amash has switched to the Libertarian Party, but his views on marijuana legalization have remained the same.

The marijuana bill:

It is better to tax marijuana like alcohol than keep it illegal, which amounts to an infinite tax.

It is better to have some regulation of marijuana than the current maximum regulation: the ban.

It is better to let people buy marijuana than to put people in jail for it.

– Justin Amash (@justinamash) December 5, 2020

“It is better to tax marijuana like alcohol than to keep it illegal, which amounts to an infinite tax.” Amash tweeted in December 2020. “Better regulation of marijuana than the current maximum regulation: ban ..”