Franklin County lawmakers speak out against 'listening tour' on legal weed

State lawmakers who represent Franklin County have spoken out against an upcoming event where local people can share their thoughts on Pennsylvania legalizing marijuana for recreational use.

Republican representatives Rob Kauffman (89th District), Paul Schemel (90th District), Jesse Topper (78th District) and John Hershey (82nd District) together released a statement Thursday afternoon calling out Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, a Democrat, and his statewide "listening tour" that will stop in Franklin County on May 2. 

In the statement, the lawmakers commended Fetterman for his willingness to hear out both sides, but questioned whether he would actually be listening both sides. 

"We recognize this event for what it is: cover to push an agenda of legalizing drugs. Rep. Hershey already experienced this firsthand when he attended a 'listening' tour in Juniata County at the lieutenant governor’s invitation. We believe this tour is a sham and we decline to be a part of it," the statement reads. 

More:Should recreational marijuana be legal? 'Listening tour' will come to Franklin County in May

The lawmakers said that despite the growing acceptance of marijuana for medicinal purposes, "incontestable research and experience shows recreational use to be dangerous, especially among our youth." The statement pointed to a correlation of marijuana use with the use of harder drugs and irresponsible consumption of alcohol, and said Colorado, where recreational marijuana has been legal since 2014, has seen an increase in DUIs, school suspensions and road fatalities. 

"Drugs are dangerous – that is what we teach our children. Pennsylvania should not fall into the trap that drugs are OK because they are not," the statement reads. 

Fetterman's office responded to the statement, stating the purpose of the "listening tour" is to hear local people's thoughts on the topic. 

“Anyone who has attended one of the tour stops has seen that this is an opportunity for people who are opposed, in favor, or undecided to weigh-in, whether they’re expressing support or disapproval," Fetterman's statement said. 

Scroll down to read the full statements. 

'Listening tour'

Fetterman's "listening tour" will take place in Franklin County from 6 to 7:30 p.m. May 2 at Eugene C. Clarke Jr. Community Center, 235 S. Third St., Chambersburg. 

Pennsylvania's number-two leader is hosting public forums in each of the state's 67 counties to hear what residents think about the topic. 

Folks who want to share their opinion but can't make it to a local event can share their thoughts online at https://www.governor.pa.gov/recreational-marijuana-feedback/#Form.

The tour comes about a year after medical marijuana sales began in Pennsylvania. 

More:Medical marijuana brings southcentral Pa. man more relief than any pill or treatment

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Full statements

Lawmakers:

On May 2, Lt. Gov. John Fetterman will be bringing his marijuana “listening” tour to Franklin County. 

Fetterman was endorsed by the marijuana industry PAC, trading under the abbreviation NORML, which called Fetterman an “unrelenting champion” of legalizing pot. When the lieutenant governor visits Franklin County, what exactly is he listening for?

Despite the growing acceptance of marijuana as a medicinal drug, incontestable research and experience shows recreational use to be dangerous, especially among our youth. Research shows that repeated use of marijuana negatively affects the development of the adolescent brain. Other research clearly correlates marijuana use with the use of harder drugs, like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamines. Marijuana users are more likely to consume alcohol irresponsibly. Indeed, a recent report issued by the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice analyzing the impact of legalizing recreational marijuana in that state found that after legalization, DUIs increased, high school suspensions increased, road fatalities increased, and job readiness decreased. By any metric, those are horrendous outcomes. Add to that increases in insurance rates and there is not a lot to like about legalizing recreational marijuana in Pennsylvania.

Fetterman invited Franklin County’s legislators to join him on the stage as he “listens.” Although we commend the lieutenant governor on his willingness to “hear” both sides, we wonder if he will really be “listening.” We recognize this event for what it is: cover to push an agenda of legalizing drugs. Rep. Hershey already experienced this firsthand when he attended a “listening” tour in Juniata County at the lieutenant governor’s invitation. We believe this tour is a sham and we decline to be a part of it.

Drugs are dangerous – that is what we teach our children. Pennsylvania should not fall into the trap that drugs are OK because they are not.

Fetterman's response: 

“This listening tour has been just that, a listening tour. What the Lieutenant Governor is hoping to hear is whatever the people of Franklin County have to tell him related to adult-use marijuana.

“Anyone who has attended one of the tour stops has seen that this is an opportunity for people who are opposed, in favor, or undecided to weigh-in, whether they’re expressing support or disapproval.

“It is not and has not been a forum for the lieutenant governor to express his position on the issue, which anyone can google. The purpose is to hear from the people, and that’s what we’ve done.

“Lt. Gov. Fetterman personally called and invited all members of the Franklin County delegation to the upcoming session, as he has with elected officials representing each county on the tour. He welcomes their attendance so they can also hear what the public has to say.”