NORML regrets the passing of former Democratic Congressman Barney Frank.

Frank represented southern Massachusetts in the House of Representatives for 32 years. He was an outspoken proponents for civil liberties and LGBTQ rights. Frank was also a prominent advocate for federal marijuana policy reform and enjoyed a multi-decade relationship with NORML.

“Representative Barney Frank was one of the earliest supporters of marijuana legalization in Congress,” NORML Founder Keith Stroup said. “He consistently argued that prosecuting marijuana users was a waste of law enforcement resources, an infringement on personal liberty, and an issue better handled at the state level.”

During his Congressional tenure, Frank sponsored numerous pieces of legislation to legalize both medical cannabis access and adult use, including the the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011. It was the first bill of its kind aimed at removing marijuana from the federal Controlled Substances Act and allowing states to legally regulate and tax it just like alcohol.

“Barney, a graduate of Harvard Law School, was one of our strongest and most effective advocates for legalization,” said Stroup. “He frequently spoke at NORML conferences and events and he served as an effective advocate with the national media, long before it was a popular position to embrace. It was an honor to work with him for many years.”

NORML offers its condolences to the friends and family of Barney Frank.