Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) made headlines Wednesday by suggesting that a significant number of her congressional colleagues use marijuana. The comments were delivered during an interview with TMZ in Washington, where Omar discussed the evolving landscape of federal cannabis legalization and broader drug policy reform efforts. As co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, Omar's remarks underscore the growing momentum for federal action on cannabis, a movement that has seen recent policy shifts from the Trump administration.
"I think there are a lot of people who smoke cannabis in Congress." — Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-MN
Omar was initially asked whether she found it unusual that no members of Congress publicly identify themselves as marijuana users, given the increasing public acceptance and state-level legalizations. She clarified that advocacy for legalization does not automatically imply personal use. "I will say advocacy for legalizing doesn’t necessarily mean that you are a user," Omar stated. She emphasized the practical and economic arguments for reform, adding, "Everybody can be an advocate to legalizing it because we understand that it is not OK for us to spend the billions of dollars we do now incarcerating people for smoking a joint." Following further inquiries about marijuana use among lawmakers, Omar offered a knowing smile and commented, "I think there are a lot of people who smoke cannabis in Congress," before concluding the interview.
The Minnesota Democrat also argued for the federal government to further advance nationwide marijuana legalization, citing the substantial number of states that have already legalized recreational or medical cannabis use. This patchwork of state and federal laws creates significant legal and economic challenges for businesses and individuals alike, prompting calls for a unified federal approach. Omar notably credited President Donald Trump with contributing to a shift in some Republican attitudes regarding marijuana and the wider discourse surrounding cannabis and psychedelic drug policies.
The Trump administration has recently taken concrete steps in drug policy reform, signaling a potential shift in federal strategy. As reported by The Hill, President Trump signed an executive order last month aimed at easing restrictions on research involving psychedelic drugs. This order specifically directed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to accelerate reviews for psychedelic-based treatments and experimental therapies, particularly for conditions such as depression and substance abuse disorders. This move has garnered bipartisan support, with several Republican lawmakers, including Morgan Luttrell and Jack Bergman, advocating for expanded access to psychedelic treatments, especially for military veterans suffering from mental health challenges.
Days after the executive order, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced plans to reclassify state-licensed medical marijuana under federal law, designating it as less dangerous. This reclassification is expected to reduce some federal regulations on medical marijuana businesses and could create tax benefits for licensed operators participating in legal cannabis programs. These actions by the Trump administration represent a significant departure from previous federal stances, which largely maintained strict prohibitions despite state-level reforms.
Omar welcomed these administrative changes as positive developments but stressed the need for more comprehensive reform. "I think any step forward is a good step, but we need to go farther than where we are yet," she remarked, advocating for continued discussions between lawmakers and the White House to advance marijuana policy reform and refine federal regulation of cannabis products. Her public statements, including a tweet asserting "It's about damn time Congress legalizes marijuana," reflect a broader sentiment among reform advocates that while recent federal actions are encouraging, they are merely initial steps toward a more equitable and rational drug policy. The ongoing debate highlights a tension between traditional federal prohibition and the growing recognition of cannabis as a legitimate medical treatment and a source of potential tax revenue and economic growth for states.
