South Asheville News

U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) on September 1, 2023 introduced the Stop Pot Act to withhold certain federal funding from states and tribes that permit the use of recreational marijuana.

The Stop Pot Act will withhold 10 percent of federal highway funds for governments that violate federal law under the Controlled Substances Act, which prohibits recreational marijuana and classifies it as a Schedule I drug. This legislation does not apply to jurisdictions that authorize medical use of marijuana when prescribed by a licensed medical professional.

“The laws of any government should not infringe on the overall laws of our nation, and federal funds should not be awarded to jurisdictions that willfully ignore federal law,” said Edwards. “During a time when our communities are seeing unprecedented crime, drug addiction, and mental illness, the Stop Pot Act will help prevent even greater access to drugs and ease the strain placed on our local law enforcement and mental health professionals who are already stretched thin.”

Smart Approaches to Marijuana Action (SAM Action) President and CEO Dr. Kevin Sabet said, “Today’s marijuana isn’t Woodstock Weed. It is a highly engineered drug that’s often wrapped in kid-friendly packaging, with potencies of up to 99 percent. The legalization movement has worsened America’s mental health and addiction crisis by preying on communities of color and young people. Today’s commercial marijuana products are associated with depression, suicidality, IQ loss and most recently psychosis and schizophrenia, especially for young people.

“Federal law is clear - sales of marijuana and THC drugs are illegal. Congressman Edwards’ ‘Stop Pot Act’ holds states accountable for violating federal law and undermining the authority of the FDA and the DEA. In states across the country, we’ve seen marijuana and THC drug legalization lead to increases in marijuana-related driving crashes and deaths. As CBS News reported just today, a recent study found that in states where cannabis is legal, cannabis-related DUIs happen 32 percent more than in states where the drugs are not legal. By following the model used to raise the legal drinking age to 21 and making highway funding conditional upon responsible marijuana policy, this bill will improve roadway safety. That’s good news for everyone.”

Background

• The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) will vote on September 7 whether to legalize the sale and use of recreational marijuana on tribal lands.
• If the EBCI’s referendum passes, the Qualla Boundary will be the only place in North Carolina to buy marijuana legally for recreational use.

Endorsements

The Stop Pot Act is endorsed by:

• Smart Approaches to Marijuana Action
• Christian Action League

Original source can be found here.