Congressman Don Young, marijuana champion, dies at 88

Did you miss the webinar “Women Leaders in Cannabis: Shattering the Grass Ceiling?” Head to MJBiz YouTube to watch it now!


The marijuana industry lost a staunch ally Friday when U.S. Rep. Don Young, the longest-serving member of the House of Representatives, died at age 88.

Young, from Alaska, teamed with fellow Republican Rep. David Joyce, from Ohio, to introduce a federal marijuana legalization bill, the Common Sense Cannabis Reform for Veterans, Small Businesses, and Medical Professionals Act, in May 2021.

In 2016, Young partnered with Republican Rep. Dana Rohrabacher and Democratic Rep. Earl Blumenauer of Oregon to form the Congressional Cannabis Caucus.

That organization over the weekend issued a statement honoring Young’s long service record.

“Don was a fierce advocate for ending the failed federal prohibition of cannabis. He was dedicated to ensuring Alaskans and all Americans had the opportunity for a better life not just for today, but also for tomorrow and the future,” the co-chairs of the caucus, Reps. Blumenauer, Joyce and Barbara Lee, said in a news release.

Business leaders need reliable industry data and in-depth analysis to make smart investments and informed decisions in these uncertain economic times.

Get your 2023 MJBiz Factbook now!

Featured Inside:
  • 200+ pages and 50 charts with key data points
  • State-by-state guide to regulations, taxes & opportunities
  • Segmented research reports for the marijuana + hemp industries
  • Accurate financial forecasts + investment trends

 

Stay ahead of the curve and avoid costly missteps in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry.

The caucus said Young left behind a “legacy of bipartisanship” and called him a “legendary leader.”

Young was reelected to his 25th term in 2020. He was first elected in 1973.