In a recent Rolling Stone interview with Jann Wenner, President Barack Obama finally went on the record about his position on medical marijuana and legalization.
“What I specifically said was that we were not going to prioritize prosecutions of persons who are using medical marijuana,” said Obama. “I ever made a commitment that somehow we were going to give carte blanche to large-scale producers and operators of marijuana – and the reason is, because it’s against federal law. I can’t nullify congressional law.”
“As for medical marijuana … I’m not familiar with all the details of the initiative that was passed, but I think the basic concept of using medical marijuana for the same purposes and with the same controls as other drugs prescribed by doctors, I think that’s entirely appropriate.
I’m not going to be using Justice Department resources to try to circumvent state laws on this issue.”
Ah, yes, candidate Obama. Well, politician Obama, like any other artful political dodger, will say anything for votes. Not that this is news, of course, but it certainly serves to re-emphasize the point.
On the subject of marijuana legalization, Obama had this to say, “I do think it’s important and useful to have a broader debate about our drug laws.” That, folks, is Obama the political hedger. As I noted in a recent article on Obama and marijuana in the weeks following federal raids in California, it’s pure electoral bullshit. He’s trying to have his cake and eat it too.
If Obama truly wanted to change drug laws, he could force Congress into an open and honest debate on the issue. Maybe this is what he genuinely wants—just not in an election year.
April 25, 2012 at 6:33 pm, Mainsheet Meric said:
Being a "Constitutional scholar," he could just realize that whatever powers the Constitution doesn't SPECIFICALLY give to the federal government is reserved for the states, though. It's really is that simple.
May 21, 2012 at 4:19 pm, Jose Gonzales said:
That would be a good start, but my state sucks. Though I would not blame Obama for that.
May 16, 2012 at 4:07 pm, 74% of American voters want Obama to respect state medical marijuana laws | Death and Taxes said:
[...] marijuana laws By DJ Pangburn 1 min agoThe last few months have seen President Obama take a rather hardline approach to medical marijuana. ’08 Candidate Obama stated “I’m not going to be using Justice [...]
May 21, 2012 at 4:12 pm, Jose Gonzales said:
Poor little helpless Obama baby can't do anything to end the war on people/marijuana.
What a bunch of horse manure.