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This week we experienced some technical issues so we are revisiting one of our more recent favorite episodes with Representative Earl Blumenauer, a House Democrat from Oregon.  Congressman Blumenauer has represented Oregon as a Congressman for more than 20 years and has been a pivotal player in US legalization since the beginning. He also is one of the founders and co-chairs of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, a bipartisan Caucus for members of the U.S. House of Representatives to discuss, learn, and work together to establish a better and more rational approach to federal cannabis policy.

With 18+ Democrats vying for the Democratic Presidential nomination this primary election cycle, we wanted to revisit this conversation to see how influential leaders like Congressman Blumenauer envision the federal government moving forward with cannabis legalization.

Policy wonks, you’re in for a treat – lean in and enjoy!

About Congressman Blumenauer

A lifelong resident of Portland, Oregon, Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-3) has devoted his entire career to public service. While still a student at Lewis and Clark College, he spearheaded the effort to lower the voting age both in Oregon and at the national level. He was elected to the Oregon Legislature in 1972, where he served three terms and Chaired the House Education and Revenue Committee in 1977-78. In 1978, he was elected to the Multnomah County Commission, where he served for eight years before being elected to the Portland City Council in 1986. There, his 10-year tenure as the Commissioner of Public Works demonstrated his leadership on the innovative accomplishments in transportation, planning, environmental programs and public participation that have helped Portland earn an international reputation as one of America’s most livable cities.

Elected to the US House of Representatives in 1996, Mr. Blumenauer has created a unique role as Congress’ chief spokesperson for Livable Communities: places where people are safe, healthy and economically secure.  From 1996 to 2007, he served on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where he was a strong advocate for federal policies that address transportation alternatives, provide housing choices, support sustainable economies and improve the environment. He was a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee from 2001 to 2007, and vice-chair of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming from 2007 to 2010.  He is currently a member of the Ways and Means Committee and the subcommittees on Health, Oversight, and Tax Policy. Congressman Blumenauer’s academic training includes undergraduate and law degrees from Lewis and Clark College in Portland.

Links to guest’s social media:

• Rep. Blumenauer’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/repblumenauer
• Rep. Blumenauer’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blumenauer/

Links and Mentions:

• https://blumenauer.house.gov/
• http://earlblumenauer.com/
• Congressman Blumenauer on Cannabis Reform: https://blumenauer.house.gov/issues/marijuana-and-drug-reform
• Congressman Blumenauer’s Cannabis Road Map for Democrats: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomangell/2018/10/17/congressman-issues-blueprint-to-legalize-marijuana-for-democratic-house-in-2019/#4fc4194e3aaf  

Show Credits:

This episode was hosted by Lewis Goldberg and Anne Donohoe of KCSA Strategic Communications.

Special thanks to our Producer Nick Opich and Program Director Shea Gunther at Marijuana Today

You can learn more about how KCSA Cannabis can help your cannabiz by visiting www.kcsa-cannabis.com or emailing greenrush@kcsa.com. You can also connect with us via our social channels:

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