Warren County’s district attorney announced Thursday he will not seek re-election because of his avid marijuana use and will instead turn to advocacy for legalization.
In a news release, Warren County District Attorney Rob Greene revealed that he has used cannabis “most my entire life” and that he recently obtained a Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Card.
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Greene, who described himself in the release as a “freedom-loving, 2nd Amendment, small government Republican,” said he’s long been an advocate of adult-use cannabis legalization and regulation and admitted his use of marijuana was in violation of “draconian” federal law.
As such, he said, he will not seek a fourth term after his current term ends in December 2025.
“Twelve years of working for the government is enough,” Greene stated in the release. “I feel I can better represent the people and make a larger impact on freedom in the private sector.”
Greene, who was elected in 2013, stressed he’s never allowed his cannabis use to interfere with his work.
“I have never, nor would I, drive or make legal decisions affecting people’s lives when I was incapable of doing so due to cannabis use,” he stated. “I use cannabis responsibly and have not been shy about my advocacy for legalizing marijuana which has been used by humans for over 5,000 years for medicine, religion and recreation.”
“Freedom isn’t free and it is time for me to join the front line,” he added.
Marijuana remains a Schedule I drug as determined by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, meaning it is considered among the highest potential for abuse along with drugs like heroin, LSD and ecstasy, according to a USA Today report.
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Greene said he disagreed with government officials who hold “Big Brother” positions that he should lose his 2nd Amendment rights and Pennsylvania driving privileges, and possibly be arrested.
Greene said he’s looking for comments, suggestions and a “like-minded cannabis company/organization that shares my vision” to aid in his advocacy efforts in the coming years.
“Pennsylvania should lead in medical marijuana research and manufacturing, and I will be part of that process,” he said.
A.J. Rao can be reached at arao@gannett.com. Follow him on X @ETNRao.