Oregon Lawmaker Tells Feds to Stay Away from His State’s Marijuana Industry

With much of the marijuana industry reeling after comments made by Sean Spicer, Jeff Sessions and President Trump, states are fighting back to protect their own rights. Oregon state representative Knute Buehler warns the feds to keep their hands off of Oregon’s marijuana.

The recreational marijuana market in Oregon sells about $7-million in marijuana weekly, according to The Bulletin.  Buehler is not only a state representative, but is also an orthopedic surgeon. He understands the potential that marijuana can treat things like opioid addiction and chronic pain. He also supports using medical marijuana to treat anxiety.

Buehler said, in a prepared statement, that, “I hope the new President and Attorney General keep their hands off Oregon’s marijuana law. They should respect the will of the voters and honor state’s rights. Federal intervention will only make a legal market a black market once again.”

Buehler also said, “It certainly makes people less willing to continue to pursue solutions for banking. This is a big problem to be solved, the last big problem to be solved in regard to recreational marijuana in Oregon.”

Regarding Oregon’s success with legal recreational marijuana, Buehler said, “I just think we’ve had very successful implementation of marijuana access in Oregon and I think it’s important to educate and explanation to the new administration and the Attorney General that this issue is being handled quite well in Oregon. This is a model for states that choose to go this route.”

Regarding Spicer’s recent commentary, Buehler said, “I am deeply disappointed by Sean Spicer’s statement that he expects states to see ‘greater enforcement’ and crackdown on adult use of marijuana. The national prohibition of cannabis has been a failure, and millions of voters across the country have demanded a more sensible approach. I’m looking forward to working with the leadership of our newly formed cannabis caucus to ensure that Oregonian’s wishes are protected and that we end the failed prohibition on marijuana.”