GOP Congressman Who Fought For Marijuana Legalization Dies, And Is Honored By Bipartisan Colleagues

GOP Congressman Who Fought For Marijuana Legalization Dies, And Is Honored By Bipartisan Colleagues
MJ moment

Rep. Don Young (R-AK)—a rare example of a pro-legalization Republican congressman, who was one of just five GOP members of the House of Representatives to vote in favor of a bill to end marijuana prohibition—died on Friday. As the longest-serving member of the House and one of four co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Cannabis Caucus—along with Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Dave Joyce (R-OH)—Young left a legislative legacy on the issue that crossed partisan divides. In a Twitter post early on Saturday morning commenting on the news of Young’s passing away during a plane flight while sitting next to his wife, Lee said, “As Cannabis Caucus Co-Chair, Don was a fierce advocate for ending the failed war on drugs. My thoughts are with his wife, family, his staff and his constituents.” Rest In Peace to the Dean of the House, @repdonyoung. I send my deepest condolences to his family & loved ones. As Cannabis Caucus Co-Chair, Don was a fierce advocate for ending the failed war on drugs. My thoughts are with his wife, family, his staff and his constituents. — Rep. Barbara Lee (@RepBarbaraLee) March 19, 2022 Joyce, for his part, said it was the late congressman who “taught me how to lean into an issue and create a path where no one had tread before” and that it was an “honor to serve alongside him” on the Cannabis Caucus. I’ve never met a force like Don and I doubt I ever will again. His shoes are ones that cannot be filled and I will miss him dearly. Rest easy, my friend. — Dave Joyce (@RepDaveJoyce) March 19, 2022 Young, who was 88, was also one of five GOP cosponsors of a separate bill to end federal prohibition and regulate cannabis that was introduced this session…