Cannabis Profiles: US Senator John Barrasso (R – WY)

John Barrasso Ascends to Senate Leadership: A Career of Conservative Advocacy

U.S. Senator John Barrasso, a steadfast Republican from Wyoming, recently achieved a career milestone by being elected Senate Majority Whip. This powerful role, second in Senate Republican leadership, solidifies Barrasso’s influence in shaping the party’s legislative agenda. Replacing Senator John Thune, who stepped into the Majority Leader position after Mitch McConnell’s retirement, Barrasso’s ascension reflects his party’s confidence in his leadership.

After winning reelection in 2024 with overwhelming support from Wyoming voters, Barrasso reiterated his commitment to conservative principles. His stated priorities include reducing inflation, enhancing border security, and bolstering U.S. energy independence​. Cowboy State Daily, Oil City News,​ Daily Wire.

Career Highlights: From Orthopedic Surgeon to Senator

Before entering politics, Barrasso built a respected medical career as an orthopedic surgeon in Casper, Wyoming. This experience shaped his legislative focus on healthcare and rural issues. Appointed to the Senate in 2007 following the death of Senator Craig Thomas, Barrasso has consistently championed Wyoming’s values and interests. Over 17 years in the Senate, he has prioritized deregulation, economic growth, and national security, cementing his status as a conservative stalwart​. Cowboy State Daily Oil City News.

Committee assignments:
Subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources, and Infrastructure.
Subcommittee on Health Care.
Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness.

Policy Views: Marijuana, Hemp, and Public Health

Barrasso’s stance on marijuana reflects a cautious and critical perspective. A longtime opponent of legalization, Barrasso stated unequivocally in 2024: “I’ve been opposed to it when I was in the state legislature, I’ve been opposed to it while I’m here, and continue to be opposed to it. And I oppose Wyoming taking any action as well!” He believes the risks of marijuana to individuals and communities outweigh any potential medical benefits and advocates for addressing pain through “legal and proven ways” instead of cannabis products​. Cowboy State Daily, Daily Wire.

In a 2022 letter to constituents, Barrasso expressed understanding of chronic pain struggles but reiterated his opposition to the unfettered use of cannabidiol or marijuana. His spokeswoman, Laura Mengelkamp, emphasized his commitment to aiding those in pain through safer alternatives. These views align with his broader skepticism of drug policy reform, as he has historically linked drug trafficking to criminal networks and opposed legalization efforts as counterproductive​.

Barrasso’s position on hemp, however, has been more flexible, given its economic potential in agricultural states like Wyoming. He supports initiatives to boost hemp farming as part of broader rural development strategies.

Conservative Leadership for the Future

As Senate Majority Whip, Barrasso’s leadership will influence debates on pressing issues, including healthcare, energy policy, and federal spending. His pragmatic yet firm adherence to conservative values underscores his dedication to representing Wyoming’s interests on the national stage. Whether navigating drug policy debates or shaping fiscal priorities, Barrasso’s tenure in leadership promises to be as impactful as his storied Senate career.

Contact Senator John Barrasso

Web: https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/contact/

Phone: 202-224-6441 Address: 307 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510.

In state offices in Casper, Cheyenne, Riverton, Rock Springs and Sheridan, Wyoming.

Wyoming Hemp and Marijuana Laws: Overview

Hemp Legislation in Wyoming

Wyoming legalized hemp production following the 2018 federal Farm Bill. The state’s program, initiated in 2019, aligns with federal guidelines, requiring that hemp products contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. However, recent legislative changes have introduced tighter restrictions. A new law, effective July 2024, bans the use of synthetic cannabinoids (such as Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC) in hemp products. This legislation aims to address concerns over potentially intoxicating substances created from hemp derivatives and the lack of clarity in previous laws.

Critics argue that these restrictions harm businesses and consumers. Hemp retailers have highlighted the potential loss of access to products used for pain relief and other medical purposes, with some pointing to significant economic impacts, including reduced sales tax revenue for the state. Advocates for the law emphasize public health concerns and the need to close legal loopholes that allowed intoxicating products to be sold under the guise of legality.

Marijuana Reform in Wyoming
Wyoming remains one of the most restrictive states regarding marijuana. Recreational marijuana is fully illegal, and medical marijuana use is not permitted beyond limited CBD oil for seizure disorders under stringent guidelines. Efforts to reform these laws have been largely unsuccessful, with proposals for medical and decriminalization measures failing in recent years.

Neighboring states with more permissive cannabis laws have increased pressure on Wyoming’s stance. However, the state’s leadership, including figures like Senator John Barrasso, has consistently opposed marijuana reform. Barrasso has voiced concerns over marijuana’s societal and health risks, advocating for existing legal medical options instead.

This dual approach—allowing limited hemp use while tightly controlling any cannabis-related psychoactive substances—reflects Wyoming’s cautious stance on cannabis legislation overall. The ongoing legislative changes and debates signal the state’s balancing act between public health, economic interests, and conservative values.

Federal Farm Bill

The “Miller Amendment” to the federal farm bill has emerged as a contentious provision set to be debated in the U.S. Senate, raising significant concerns among advocates for the hemp and cannabinoid industries. Passed through committee with minimal transparency, the amendment was bundled into a procedural package of changes, bypassing individual debate and scrutiny. This approach has sparked criticism, as the amendment’s language poses an existential threat to the burgeoning cannabinoid industry and the broader agricultural sector it supports.

At its core, the Miller Amendment introduces language that could dramatically reshape the regulatory landscape for cannabinoids, potentially stifling innovation and growth in a sector that has provided economic opportunities in rural communities and beyond. Critics argue that its provisions could effectively criminalize certain cannabinoids derived from hemp, thereby creating legal and logistical barriers that many small businesses and farmers would struggle to overcome. If enacted, the amendment could lead to widespread industry shutdowns, resulting in lost jobs, diminished investment, and the collapse of a sector that has otherwise thrived under the current framework.

The procedural maneuver used to pass the amendment in committee has further compounded frustrations, as stakeholders believe such sweeping changes warrant a robust and transparent debate. The lack of individual votes on the amendment has raised concerns about the democratic process, with industry representatives and policymakers calling for greater accountability as the farm bill progresses.

The debate surrounding the Miller Amendment underscores the high stakes for the future of the hemp and cannabinoid industries. As the Senate takes up the farm bill, advocates will be watching closely to see whether lawmakers will address the amendment’s far-reaching implications or allow it to proceed unchallenged. The outcome could set a critical precedent, not only for the hemp sector but for broader debates about regulatory overreach and economic opportunity in emerging industries.