New York Democrat calls on White House to reverse ‘old school’ marijuana policy while admitting own past use

New York Democratic Rep. Mondaire Jones admitted to past marijuana use when calling on the White House to reverse its decision to fire staffers who previously smoked marijuana.

“I have in the past smoked marijuana. I do not currently smoke marijuana, but if I did it wouldn’t be a problem,” Jones told the New York Daily News.

“A policy at the White House of punishing prior use of marijuana despite a staffer’s qualifications — that is beyond dissonant,” he said. “This is simply an old school retrograde policy that flies in the face of the president’s commitments.”

Jones along with 29 other Democrats sent a letter to the White House on Thursday calling on them to reverse their decision to fire five staffers and suspend dozens more for past marijuana usage.

“Repercussions for cannabis use have always been unequal and those with the most power have always faced the fewest consequences. We ask that you don’t allow that pattern to continue within your administration,” the letter stated.

Jones pointed to former Presidents Clinton and Obama as well as Vice President Harris’s admissions to marijuana use as another reason the firings should be reversed.

The White House has not yet responded to the Democratic lawmakers’ letter.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki this week defended the firings by saying that marijuana is still illegal federally despite personal beliefs or state laws.