Congressman Says ‘OK, Boomer’ After Kellyanne Conway Voices Concerns About Weed

Republican Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida has a message for Kellyanne Conway and her stance on the reform of marijuana laws: “OK, boomer.”

Gaetz, 37, used the disparaging comment popularized by fellow millenials and members of Generation Z to reply to Baby Boomers and other older people they feel are out of touch with current norms on an appearance on CNN. Gaetz, a staunch supporter of President Trump, said in an interview that he has tried to encourage him to support reforming the nation’s cannabis laws.

“I have worked to be a positive influence with the president on marijuana reform. To my friend, Kellyanne Conway, I would say, ‘OK, boomer,’” said Gaetz.

The congressman added that Conway, who serves as counselor to the president, has a “very boomer approach to marijuana.” At 52, Conway is technically a member of Generation X.

Cannabis Reform Not a Priority for Trump Administration

Although Trump has expressed support for the STATES Act, a bill that would protect cannabis operations legal under state law from federal prosecution and make essential services like banking and insurance available to the industry, his administration has done little to advance the cause. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions reversed progress, rescinding an Obama administration directive not to interfere with cannabis businesses that operated in compliance with state law.

In April, Conway told CNN that the administration had reservations about efforts to legalize cannabis.

“We’re very concerned about the effect [of marijuana] on the brain, among young people,” Conway said.

She also expressed skepticism that cannabis could be a viable alternative to the widespread use of opioids.

“For all the folks who talk about the benefits and the legality of marijuana, there are many health professionals and employers increasingly concerned that this is not your grandfather or your father’s marijuana,” Conway said. “The TCH [sic] components are much stronger […] We just can’t say it’s all good for all people at this moment.”

Gaetz replied to that comment on Saturday, noting that Conway referred to the compound primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis as TCH rather than THC.

“I think her reflection shows a real ignorance to the science demonstrating that in states where there are marijuana programs, you see a reduction in Schedule I drug recommendations,” Gaetz said. “You also see a reduction in the types of overdoses that are crippling our country and hollowing out America.”

Gaetz also told CNN on Saturday that the “federal prohibition against marijuana has not worked” and has stifled medical advances.

“It has impaired research and it has stopped our states from being able to unlock cures,” he said. Gaetz added that current federal cannabis policy “functions as a wet blanket over the innovation and investment that could allow marijuana to improve people’s lives around the country.”

Gaetz is a co-sponsor of the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act, a comprehensive marijuana reform bill. Last week, the House Judiciary Committee approved the measure by a vote of 24 to 10.

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