Lawless Calls on Langevin to Reverse Stance on Medical Marijuana

WARWICK, RI – Jennifer Lawless, a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives from Rhode Island’s 2nd Congressional District, today called on her primary opponent, James Langevin, to reverse his long-standing position against medical marijuana.

“It is disappointing that time and again, James Langevin has voted against medical marijuana and for federal government intervention,” said Lawless. “I believe that Rhode Islanders are right in supporting chronically ill patients’ use of medical marijuana. By voting against this amendment, James Langevin is asking the federal government to intervene in the private medical decisions of Rhode Island families. I call on my opponent to reverse his stance on medical marijuana and support the needs of Rhode Island families.”

The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on the Hinchey-Rohrabacher Amendment early next week. Attached to the Science-State-Justice-Commerce Appropriations bill, this amendment would prevent the federal government from using funds appropriated by the bill to interfere with the 11 states, including Rhode Island, that have legalized medical marijuana.

According to polling data, nearly 70% of Rhode Islanders support the legal use of medical marijuana. Last session, the Rhode Island general assembly passed the Edward O. Hawkins Medical Marijuana Act to provide relief for Rhode Islanders suffering from chronic illnesses, including cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and glaucoma.

Since he was first elected in 2000, James Langevin has voted against medical marijuana every time he has had the opportunity. This amendment has been offered three times, during which 161 members of Congress, including Rhode Island Representative Patrick Kennedy, supported it.

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