Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, chairman of the Judiciary Committee and the Caucus on International Narcotics Control, today made the following comment on Senate confirmation of Michael Botticelli as director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, a position informally known as the “drug czar.” The Senate on Monday confirmed the nomination 92-0.
“Director Botticelli recognizes the dangers of smoking marijuana, and he’s expressed concern about the increase in the number of teen-agers who don’t see marijuana as harmful. His views are welcome in a presidential administration that hasn’t challenged state laws legalizing recreational marijuana and has often sent mixed signals about marijuana use. He also has helped to combat the opioid epidemic that has plagued many communities in Iowa and elsewhere. I look forward to continuing to work with Director Botticelli on drug control policy.”
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