MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Democrat running to challenge Republican Rep. David McKinley issued a 30-second advertisement Monday calling for the national legalization of medical marijuana.
Kendra Fershee, who announced her candidacy in September, said she would propose legislation to allow the sale of cannabis for medical purposes if elected.
“We need to create jobs, fight opioid deaths and bring in revenue for schools. There is an answer: Legalizing medical marijuana across the U.S.” Fershee said.
Fershee said legalization will create a new industry for West Virginia, serve as a medical treatment option and allow for the collection of new taxes.
“This will give West Virginians the freedom to stay in this beautiful place we call home,” she added.
Fershee currently serves as the associate dean for academic affairs at the West Virginia University College of Law. Ralph Baxter — the former CEO of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe — is also running to challenge McKinley in next year’s midterm election.