A Wisconsin sheriff stunned a congressman on Tuesday by refusing to say that marijuana was less destructive to society than methamphetamine or cocaine.

During a House Judiciary hearing on police reform, Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) briefly questioned Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke about his views on drugs.

“You said that illegal drug use is the scourge of the black community and it is a problem and leads to a great deal of violent crime. Would you agree that marijuana possession is not the scourge of the black community and does not lead to violent crime the same way that meth, crack cocaine, and heroin do?” he asked the sheriff.

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“No, I wouldn’t agree with that at all,” Clarke replied.

“Well, that’s interesting, and I wish I had more time to talk to you,” Cohen said. “Thank you for allowing me this opportunity.”

“It was such an obvious answer — I just never thought I’d get that answer,” he added with a laugh.

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