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. The surviving co-chairs said in a joint statement on Sunday that Young “was dedicated to ensuring Alaskans and all Americans had the opportunity for a better life not just for today, but also for tomorrow and the future.” “It was with that dedication that he helped found this caucus and created a forum where any and all members could engage, discuss and learn about the need to establish a more rational approach to federal cannabis policy,” they said. “As the four of us worked together across party lines to advance this important issue, we watched it gain more momentum with the American people than ever before. Don’s legacy of bipartisanship is the foundation on which we will continue to build the consensus necessary to enact impactful reform that will address our outdated federal cannabis laws.”
Kyle Jaeger, Marijuana Moment, 03/19/2022 13:18:00