Representative Ilhan Omar publicly stated she believes numerous members of Congress smoke marijuana, revealing what she describes as an open secret on Capitol Hill while unexpectedly praising President Trump for federal cannabis policy changes.
Unexpected Alliance On Drug Policy
The Minnesota Congresswoman told TMZ reporters that she credits President Trump for signing off on the Department of Justice’s decision to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. The reclassification drops cannabis from the same dangerous drug category as heroin, making it significantly easier for researchers to obtain federal funding for studies. Despite years of public feuding with Trump, Omar gave the President credit on camera for this policy shift, marking a rare moment of bipartisan acknowledgment.
Omar emphasized that Congress must continue engaging the President on cannabis legislation until marijuana achieves the same legal status as alcohol at the federal level. She made clear that while the reclassification represents progress, complete federal legalization for recreational use remains her ultimate goal. The substance currently remains illegal for recreational federal use, meaning government employees cannot legally consume it despite the regulatory change.
Capitol Hill’s Cannabis Culture
When asked directly whether any sitting members of Congress use marijuana, Omar initially hesitated before grinning and suggesting there are plenty of cannabis users among her colleagues. The Congresswoman’s comments come as recreational marijuana has already been legalized in 24 states plus Washington D.C., where Congress conducts its business. Her suggestion that legislators partake in an activity illegal under federal law raises questions about enforcement consistency and congressional accountability on drug policy.
Federal Versus State Divide
The reclassification moves cannabis to Schedule III status, placing it alongside prescription medications like Tylenol with codeine and certain steroids. However, this regulatory change does not authorize FBI or other federal agency personnel to use marijuana recreationally. Omar stated she wants to eliminate the federal prohibition entirely, aligning federal law with the growing number of states that permit adult recreational use. The disconnect between state legalization and federal prohibition has created a complex legal landscape where state-legal activities remain federally criminal, potentially putting congressional members who use cannabis in violation of federal statutes they help create.