Fetterman Says Cannabis Legalization Is Inevitable Despite Some Republican Opposition

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), one of the most vociferous cannabis supporters among U.S. senators, recently said he was honored to vote for the SAFER Banking Act.

Commenting on recent Ohio’s cannabis legalization, Fetterman told City & State in an exclusive interview that “it’s absolutely absurd – how many states around Pennsylvania are we failing behind?”

“It just makes it more silly. It’s just so simple and so easy – just give people what they want,” he said. “And again, make it safe, make it pure and make jobs. All the benefits are going to the cartels, but now, it should be going to the state."

Fetterman said though he doesn't consume cannabis he believes sales should be allowed and taxed, just like alcohol. “I don’t remember the last time I even drank hard alcohol, but you should be able to buy it because we all realize what bathtub gin does to people. There are things that are so much more lethal and dangerous and addictive – you don’t have any of those issues with cannabis.”

The senator undertook expungement of minor drug charges, saying no one’s life should be ruined “because they had some stupid, silly weed charge." As lieutenant governor and head of the pardoning process, "we got that process started. It’s always astonishing when you have people in front of you who can’t be a volunteer at their child’s school, can’t get a better job, can’t get a loan because 12 years ago they got caught with a joint.” 

Fetterman said that because cannabis is illegal its value is distorted and is often the cause of violence and robberies. 

No-Brainer 

“There’s no medically documented THC overdose, and marijuana is not lethal at all. It’s a no-brainer,” he said.

He called President Joe Biden a man of his word because, on the first anniversary, he recommended marijuana de-scheduling. Furthermore, he added that it’s “always Republicans going against something that should be common sense and that a majority of people really want, whether it’s abortion or weed,” and that legalization is inevitable. 

Continue reading on City & State.

Photo: Benzinga edit with images by Jeff W via Unsplash and Wikimedia Commons