Cannabis Legalization
Blocked By Feds
Cannabis legalization is a topic that is mostly associated with liberals politicians, but more conservatives are jumping on the bandwagon for legalization. In an interview with a Cincinnati TV station former Speaker of the House John Boehner said that the federal government should “get out of the way” of cannabis legalization.
He feels that the states should decide what they want to do. He also supports cannabis research. John Boehner along with Bill Weld, a former Republican governor of Massachusetts are joining the advisory board of Acreage Holdings, which owns cannabis licenses and assets in the 11 states where cannabis is approved for medical or recreational use. The company has been making headway since 2012 and wants to position themselves as a leader for what lies ahead in the Cannabis Industry.
Boehner’s changes opinion on medical marijuana.
Boehner’s thinking has evolved on the subject of medical marijuana. He has been lobbying congress to change it from a Schedule I drug, so that clinical trials can be conducted. He is advocating the use of medical cannabis for veterans, children with epilepsy and other seizures and as pain medication to deter the opioid addiction epidemic. Boehner says, “De-scheduling will reduce the conflict between federal policy and state programs” which have pursued more lenient policies on marijuana”
Feds prohibit cannabis cultivation
Federal law still prohibits all use, sale, and cultivation of marijuana. Under federal law, any possession of marijuana is a crime punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. And, the federal government imposes harsh penalties for the sale and cultivation of marijuana. The convicted can face a lifetime sentence under certain circumstances.
Boehner’s new position on the cannabis industry is a far cry from his previous thoughts on the subject. The former speaker of the House was adamantly against legalizing marijuana. If a hardliner like the former speaker can change his thinking, let’s hope the rest of the current house and senate members change their tune quickly and re-schedule marijuana.