Rep. Joe Kennedy III, Once Staunchly Anti-Marijuana, Changes His Position
Source: Roll Call
One of the staunchest opponents of marijuana decriminalization in Congress, Rep. Joe Kennedy III, changed course on Tuesday, endorsing nationwide legalization in a Boston Globe editorial.
I believe we must implement strong, clear, and fair federal guidelines. To do that requires us to remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and legalize it at the federal level, the Massachusetts congressman wrote, citing its value to public health and racial inequities in how laws on pot are enforced.
While Kennedy bemoaned the patchwork of state marijuana laws across the U.S., he wrote that our federal policy on marijuana is badly broken.
That stance represents a reversal for the 4th District Democrat, who voted against a 2015 provision to claw back the powers of the Department of Justice to pursue medical marijuana businesses in states that have legalized them.
Read more: http://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/rep-joe-kennedy-iii-staunchly-anti-marijuana-changes-position
SunSeeker
(51,378 posts)Renew Deal
(81,803 posts)NewJeffCT
(56,827 posts)I don't care about marijuana laws, but I know it's a big issue for the younger generation.
Kennedy has been too conservative overall for me, so I hope he can start moving left soon.
pbmus
(12,418 posts)The use of cannabis cuts across all ages....for medical and recreational reasons...
WePurrsevere
(24,259 posts)Whose opinions have evolved on this over the years. It's amazing what facts and less BS fear mongering can do.
DownriverDem
(6,206 posts)Michigan just voted to make recreational pot legal. We've been told we have the most liberal law in the country.
logosoco
(3,208 posts)Not just as someone who uses cannabis, but this is how it should be: you change your beliefs/opinions when you see evidence that refutes them.
Bernardo de La Paz
(48,790 posts)rollin74
(1,952 posts)I have been critical of Joe Kennedy for his past position on this issue
I'm glad he has changed his stance. And, yes, cannabis should absolutely be removed from the Controlled Substances Act.
At the very least, respect states who have decided to legalize.
Laffy Kat
(16,356 posts)The Mouth
(3,123 posts)full on nutter, that one. At least in that regard.
smb
(3,453 posts)JudyM
(29,122 posts)according to the article.
pbmus
(12,418 posts)In the 20-30s....he was a criminals criminal....he promoted the marijuana boogie man....and other anti-cannabis laws....
The Kennedy Family has gotten into pharmaceuticals many years ago and have been against cannabis ever since Joe...
JudyM
(29,122 posts)Cal Tek
(41 posts)I don't think a member of the House in only his fourth term can realistically aspire to the POTUS nomination.
Response to brooklynite (Original post)
Omaha Steve This message was self-deleted by its author.
Progressive Jones
(6,011 posts)duforsure
(11,882 posts)Especially for medicinal MJ in every state of this country ASAP. Making it legal , and stop making criminals from its use anymore. They have more than enough evidence its a very effective plant that can treat many issues, but you have big pharma paying trump and some in the gop protecting them , and refusing to allow its promotion. If you've seen someone with a major issue be helped by its use you would understand, and I have, it worked well for them. If they lived in a illegal state they could have ended up in jail just for making themselves better. This should be addressed at once in Congress soon. The majority is getting bigger every year now for it too.