Rep. Lateefah Simon Gets Serious After Reporter's 4/20 Marijuana Question
TMZ reporter Charlie asked Rep. Lateefah Simon on Monday about Congress members celebrating 4/20, but the Oakland congresswoman turned serious instead. Simon called April 20th a solemn day rather than engaging with the marijuana-themed question.
TMZ reporter Charlie approached Rep. Lateefah Simon on Monday, April 20th, hoping to get a lighthearted response about Congress members joining 4/20 festivities. The question appeared to reference the unofficial marijuana holiday celebrated on April 20th each year.
But Simon, who represents Oakland, California, didn't play along with the marijuana-themed question. Instead, she described April 20th as a solemn day, shifting the tone away from the reporter's intended direction.
Simon is a first-term congresswoman who took office in 2025. She represents California's 12th district and has a background as a civil rights advocate and social justice organizer spanning 25 years.
The exchange highlights how public officials navigate questions about marijuana, even in states like California where it's legal for recreational use. Oakland, Simon's district, has been particularly supportive of marijuana legalization and regulation.
The exchange shows how elected officials handle questions about marijuana, even as more states legalize it. It also highlights the different ways people view 4/20 - as either a celebration or a more serious occasion.
Watch for how other members of Congress respond to similar questions about marijuana policy and 4/20 celebrations.
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