Patrick Morrisey on Drugs

Rated B by NORML: monitor decriminalization of marijuana

NORML Politician Info: rated B-
• Candidate: Patrick Morrisey (R - WV): Holds office Attorney General; Candidate in race for Governor on Tuesday, November 5, 2024
• Summary: DECRIMINALIZE
• Comments: West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said his office will be monitoring the implementation of the law and changes in enforcement on the federal level. "We're going to analyze it very closely. We know that its unlawful under federal law, and so we're trying to make sure that we represent the will of the people. There are always complicated legal issues you have to sort through whenever you have a federal bar at something, and then the state comes around and allows it," said Morrissey.

Fight opioid epidemic with criminal prosecutions & education

"Our last contest was a reminder that some of the youngest victims of the opioid epidemic can be found in classrooms across West Virginia," Attorney General Morrisey said. "By addressing the negative consequences of drug use now, we hope to deter the continued growth of this crisis and provide a better future for these children."

Nearly 900 West Virginians lost their lives to a drug overdose in 2016, many of which were opioid related. Reversing this trend has been a top priority for Attorney General Patrick Morrisey. He has fought the epidemic on multiple fronts with criminal prosecutions, increased funding, civil litigation, multi-state initiatives, new technology, engagement with the faith-based community and education.

Opioids: we're losing a generation of people to despair

"What's happening in West Virginia right now is that we're losing a generation of people to despair," said Patrick Morrisey, West Virginia's attorney general.

In the last five months Morrisey has implemented new statewide prescription guidelines. He's moved forward with a lawsuit he inherited from his predecessor against eleven major drug distributors.

But the fight against opioids in West Virginia is complex, as one look at Morrisey's career path makes plain [because as a private lawyer, he lobbied for pharmaceutical distributors].

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Other governors on Drugs:			Patrick Morrisey on other issues:
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