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Rep. Blumenauer Statement on Expected Resignation of DEA Administrator

April 21, 2015

Washington, DC– Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) released the following statement on reports that Michele Leonhart will resign as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

“Following the official resignation of Ms. Leonhart as head of the Drug Enforcement Administration, I encourage the President to use this as an opportunity to fill this important role with someone who understands the outdated federal approach to marijuana isn’t working. The American public has moved on. Most now feel marijuana should be legalized. Four states and the District of Columbia have legalized the adult use of marijuana, and more than two-thirds of Americans live in a state that has legalized some form of medical marijuana. The President himself has said we have bigger fish to fry than going after state-legal marijuana users. I would urge him to put in place a DEA Administrator who will reflect his Administration’s position and can be a partner in creating a more workable system of marijuana laws.”