Statement

"Last month, the citizens of Washington spoke and they decided to legalize marijuana. Today, the law goes into effect. However, marijuana use is still illegal under federal law and a person can be subject to arrest by federal authorities for marijuana use despite state law.

I believe states should have the right to determine the legality of marijuana use, and I recently cosponsored a bill to remove marijuana from the list of federally controlled substances. The war on drugs has been a failure and current U.S. marijuana policies are causing more harm than good. The United States incarcerates more people per capita than any other country in the world -- heavily on non-violent drug offenses. It's time for another approach.

I am a cosponsor of H.R. 6606, legislation that will prevent federal law from preempting state law, regarding the use of marijuana. States should lead the way towards a more cost-effective, appropriate way to deal with marijuana use."