Shows of support for cannabis legalization are becoming the status quo even among governmental agencies like the DEA (who proposed an increase in marijuana production last month). Other politicians have made their way into the world of cannabis legalization as well. In the business world, Red While & Bloom Brands Inc. has announced the onboarding of Republican Rep. Ryan Costello of Pennsylvania, who will help the company navigate a complex regulatory environment.
There are other examples of Republican lawmakers taking up cannabis after their time in office. But Costello stands out as one of the few who supported marijuana policy reform while in office — notably before he had a financial stake in the game. He was a co-sponsor of several bills and supported several amendments to the policy.
Dana Rohrabacher is another GOP congressman whose post-office cannabis stance aligns with his voting record. He served as a Representative for California until 2018 and supported cannabis reform throughout his time in Congress. Today he serves on a marijuana company’s advisory board.
The former head of Health and Human Services under Trump, Tom Price, has also made the transition to cannabis. Although he declined to reschedule cannabis while in office — and repeatedly voted against reform while in Congress — he has since joined the board of directors for a private medical marijuana business.
Steve Buyer, a former Republican state representative from Indiana, is on the board of a Canadian cannabis company as of 2019. He also spent his years in office opposing marijuana reform.
Alfonse D’Amato, a former Republican U.S. Senator, now heads a lobbying firm that advocates on behalf of cannabis businesses. During his time in Congress, D’Amato was a staunch supporter of the War on Drugs.
There certainly appears to be a change in the air when it comes to marijuana. Pay attention not only to champions of legalization in Congress — watch its opponents to see what actions they take in the coming years as pot becomes more mainstream.
