Congressional candidate Benjamin Thomas Wolf appears to smoke pot in a provocative political ad that struck a chord on social media.
In the ad, Wolf, a former FBI national security official turned restaurant owner, is seen sitting in smoke with what appears to be a joint in his hand in front of a painting of the American flag, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Wolf, who also teaches at Roosevelt University, is running as a Democrat against current Democratic U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley in the March 20 Democratic primary.
Sameena Mustafa and Steven J. Schwartzberg are also primary challengers for the 5th Congressional District of Illinois, which includes Chicago's North and Northwest sides, O'Hare Airport and Oak Brook, where the average age is 33, the newspaper said.
Quigley has been in the House since 2009 and is a member of the Appropriations and Select Intelligence committees, according to Roll Call.
"As a cannabis user, I think it's important we get out front and talk about it," Wolf told the Sun-Times. "We realize that cannabis can bring billions of dollars to the state, it's medicine for millions of people around the country, it changes criminal justice reform and personally I think it's a wonderful recreational substance as well."
On his campaign website, Wolf, 42, calls for the "immediate legalization of marijuana and hemp for both medicinal and recreational uses in all U.S. states, cities, and territories."
Wolf's progressive platform also includes withdrawing all military personnel from Iraq and Afghanistan; immediate closure of Guantanamo Bay prison; lower rates for educational loans; fully supporting the United Nations, public schools and renewable energy; and classifying assault weapons as a threat to the general public.
But it has been his upfront and public support for marijuana that has sparked support on social media.
"Not only is Illinois perfect right now but this district is one of the youngest and most progressive in the country," Wolf told Newsweek. "(The district) really went for Bernie and the average age is 33 years old. If young people vote they can have anything they want, they just need to believe."
Wolf appeared to win plenty of fans on social media in his district and outside of it.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.