Hagedorn Votes Against Gateway Drug Legalization

Press Release

Congressman Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) today voted against H.R. 3884 -- the MORE Act of 2019, which aims to fully legalize and allow for the corporate takeover and distribution of the gateway drug marijuana. The bill passed in the House by a vote of 228-164.

Following his "no" vote, Rep. Hagedorn issued the following statement:

"Legalizing marijuana is not in the best interests of the American people. After meeting directly and discussing this issue with law enforcement officers, drug treatment center officials and many others in southern Minnesota, it is widely understood that legalizing marijuana will contribute greatly to increased lawlessness, drug addiction, family breakups and loss of economic output.

"Additionally, today's marijuana products are as much as 10 times stronger than the illegal drug used in past generations. Far too often, marijuana serves as a gateway drug that leads to the use of methamphetamine, cocaine, LSD and heroin. Meth abuse, especially, continues to devastate lives and families across southern Minnesota.

"Legalizing an illicit substance is a dangerous precedent to set in the midst of the opioid epidemic, and it makes the treatment and recovery process more difficult. These conditions are amplified by the alarming rise in depression and substance abuse resulting from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic."

The MORE Act is publicly opposed by notable medical and law enforcement organizations, such as the American Society of Addiction Medicine, the American Medical Association and the National Sheriffs' Association.

Source