WASHINGTON, D.C. - Bainbridge Township GOP Rep. Dave Joyce, who has championed legislation to keep federal laws from interfering with states like Ohio that have legalized some form of marijuana use, was named co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus on Wednesday.

In a statement released jointly with the other chairs of the bipartisan group - Republican Don Young of Alaska and Democrats Earl Blumenaur of Oregon and Barbara Lee of California - Joyce said the organization will “lead the effort to implement responsible, commonsense cannabis policies” and advance sensible reforms that will “benefit our nation’s veterans, patients and businesses across the country."

“It is critical that we protect the rights of the states across the country, like Ohio, that have already done so at the state level," said Joyce. “The federal government’s interference in this arena has stifled important medical research, interfered with doctors and patients making treatment decisions and harmed state-legal businesses.”

The group noted that 98 percent of Americans live in states or territories that allow some degree of legal access to medical marijuana or cannabis derivatives and a quarter of Americans live in a states that have legalized adult use of marijuana. Medical marijuana is legal in Ohio, and efforts have been made to legalize recreational marijuana use.

Last year, Joyce secured language in a Justice Department spending bill to block it from meddling in implementation of state laws that permit the cultivation, distribution and use of medical marijuana. He also introduced a bill that would ensure that each state has the right to determine the best approach to marijuana within its borders.

Joyce, who served as Geauga County prosecutor before his election to Congress, says the discrepancy between state and federal cannabis laws causes confusion for law enforcement officials "who are working hard to keep our communities safe and ensure businesses are operating legitimately.

"Since 47 states have implemented some form of cannabis laws, we must respect that and clarify this issue for the benefit of our law enforcement and the many businesses that are impacted,” Joyce continued.