U.S Senator Chuck Grassley talks about drugs

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley was in Maquoketa yesterday at the Jackson County Courthouse. He spoke with the Jackson County Prevention Coalition, as well as members of local media.

Senator Grassley talked about drugs at length and answered many questions related to them. As Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, drugs are an important topic to him, and he has many hard stances against them.

He was one of the lead politicians in getting the “Halt Fentanyl Act” passed through Congress and was present when President Trump signed it into law. The Act makes all forms of Fentanyl a schedule 1 drug alongside heroin, LSD, and others. Schedule 1 classification means that it has a high risk of addiction and no accepted medical application.

Senator Grassley also received and answered several questions about marijuana, which is also currently a schedule 1 drug. Senator Grassley does not support legalization of cannabis at either the state or federal level. He referenced some studies that have shown it has negative effects over prolonged use, especially in adolescents. He does however support cannabis’ use for medical purposes and treatment, as long as it’s properly used and applied.

Senator Grassley was then asked if any federal action would be taken against states that have already legalized marijuana. Grassley responded by saying that he does not believe so, and that the only action that could be taken is the withholding of federal funding. While he does not foresee this happening, such a thing did occur back when the federal government raised the drinking age from 18 to 21.

Senator Grassley is also the author of the Drug-Free Community Act that was passed back in 97’. The act allowed for the establishment of groups such as the Jackson County Prevention Coalition. He believes they are an important way to help curb and prevent the damage that drugs can inflict, and supports their continued growth and funding.

When asked to say a few words and give a message to the people of Jackson County, Senator Grassley had this to say: