Joe Biden is Still Against Legal Cannabis

[JoeOtterbein]

A snip from Biden's latest New York Times interview;

JI: That’s something that most people support in both parties and across most demographics agreed on.Pew Research has found that two thirds of the country supports marijuana legalization. Can you make the case to me for why to take the more moderate approach when it seems ——

Because I think science matters. I mean one of the reasons I’m running against the guy I’m running against is science matters, not fiction. Now nobody says, I’m not arguing, and Senator Booker acknowledged, I wasn’t arguing that we should in fact, it was a gateway drug. What I’m arguing is there have been studies showing that it complicates other problems if you already have a problem with certain drugs.Marijuana is the most widely used psychotropic drug after alcohol. Some studies have found that regular marijuana usage is associated with mental illness (although causality has not been established), and many agree there should be further study of its medical effects. So we should just study it and decriminalize it, but study it and find out. Get the medical community to come up with a final definitive answer as to whether or not it does cause it. If it does cause other problems, then make it clear to people. So that’s a place you don’t not engage in the use of it.

KK: But so many states have already legalized it.Thirty-three states have legalized marijuana in some form, according to the National Conference of State Legislators.

Sure they have. I get that, but that doesn’t mean the science shouldn’t be looked at.

JI: Couldn’t you look at the science and legalize it at the federal level in tandem?

No. Why would you promote the science if the science would say it’d be a bad idea to legalize it? You’ve got to find out the facts first.

snip

more at link:

NYTimes


Note: Cannabis is considered "medicine" in many states that allow the use of the plant for treating ailments and serious medical problems as basic as pain. All without many "side-effects".

[stonecutter357]

1. good let's go Joe !

[George II]

2. And the hits keep on coming! BTW, WHAT LINK????????????????

[JoeOtterbein]

3. Dang!

Added too late for ya!

[msongs]

4. he didnt say he was "against" it he says there should be further investigation first nt

[Mariana]

19. That means he's against it at this time.

He may be in favor of it, sometime in the future, but he's against legalizing it now.

"Couldn’t you look at the science and legalize it at the federal level in tandem?"

"No." - Joe Biden

[SCantiGOP]

57. Screw your Joe

I’m voting for him in the SC primary but this really pisses me off.
I don’t think he would stop Congress from decriminalizing it, but the only reason it is illegal and alcohol is legal is because alcohol has historically been legal.

[James48]

81. Vote for Bernie.

And let’s get this prohibition over with.

Please!!!

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

87. Relying on the English language I see!! Have you no shame Mariana!! hahaha!!

Seriously though, nice post!!



Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together & can't be bought!!
Jump on the Bernie Bandwagon & join the revolution!!

[Mariana]

101. I've been told downthread that I'm "misunderstanding" what Joe said.

Because, I guess, the word "No" has such a complicated meaning.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

103. LMFAO!! Yes, yes can mean no...no??

Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together & can't be bought!!
Jump on the Bernie Bandwagon & join the revolution!!

[YOHABLO]

85. That shows you how antiquated his thinking is. How much more ''investigation'' does he need?

We know Tobacco and Alcohol have been killing people for decades; it's still legal last I checked. Marijuana hasn't killed anyone. In fact, it's medicinal properties have helped hundreds of people.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

88. NONE... JOE WILL GET THERE... HE JUST NEEDS TO EVOLVE ON THIS ISSUE.

Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together & can't be bought!!
Jump on the Bernie Bandwagon & join the revolution!!

[Autumn]

5. We know the facts Joe. It's medicine that works. You should try it, it would do you a world of good.

[George II]

7. First, this is weed in general, not medicinal. Second, he didn't say he was AGAINST it....

Why take a shot at Biden, i.e., "You should try it, it would do you a world of good." ???

[JoeOtterbein]

8. A "weed" that helps people for things as simple as a rope?

And pain?

[George II]

10. Again, this is marijuana in general, not medicinal. FYI, in our town we recently approved....

....a medicinal marijuana production facility. I was chairman of the Commission that approved it, and the vote was unanimous.

[JoeOtterbein]

11. I recommend a strong Indica strain for...

...pain.

[Autumn]

99. And I recommend a strong, delightful sativa for energy and well being. I call it my few times a

day vitamin. It seems we have done some studies.

[JoeOtterbein]

100. I have to admit that I use it as a vitamin...

...more than a "few times a day".

LOL!

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

18. Everybody knows this! Joe should read the literature & back-pedal ASAP. What's 1 more issue?!

Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together & can't be bought!!
Jump on the Bernie Bandwagon & join the revolution!!

[George II]

22. No he shouldn't. It's a fake, contrived "issue", he never said he was AGAINST it!!!!

[Autumn]

50. Here's Joe on marijuana at a town hall in Nov 2019.

https://www.marijuanamoment.net/biden-says-marijuana-might-be-a-gateway-drug/

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

60. A GATEWAY DRUG?!?!?! SAY IT AIN'T SO JOE!!

Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together & can't be bought!!
Jump on the Bernie Bandwagon & join the revolution!!

[Autumn]

12. If one isn't for it George one is against it. We know exactly where he stands on marijuana, no need

for you to interpret what he has said. One more example where Biden is hung up in the past. As for the "shot" you are complaining about? It would do him a world of good.

[George II]

16. Wrong!

[Autumn]

29. Bull! We have has this discussion before. Joe is clear where he stands, on the wrong side here.

[George II]

33. We've got thousands of childen in cages, separated from their parents. We have crises...

....with Iran, Iraq, North Korea, and all sorts of other issues going on, and people are dickering about candidates' opinions about marijuana?

SMH!!!

[Autumn]

45. We had children locked in cages for a bit back in the last administration. That dog don't hunt.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

68. It's not even debatable...Joe needs to evolve on this issue and do it quickly!!

Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together & can't be bought!!
Jump on the Bernie Bandwagon & join the revolution!!

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

24. Joe needs to get with the program... doesn't he know the medical studies have been done?!

Joe's living in the past on SO many issues. Bernie's WAY ahead on this one... one of many!!


Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together & can't be bought!!
Jump on the Bernie Bandwagon & join the revolution!!

[Gothmog]

26. Here is Joe's actual statement

Here is his full statement

Link to tweet

[George II]

34. C'mon man, you're being way to sensible and logical!

[Gothmog]

37. I believe in facts

[Autumn]

42. What the hell is a potway drug? Has Joe forgotten what he said in Nov 2019? 3 months ago?

Former Vice President Joe Biden (D) said on Saturday that he’s not sure if marijuana is a gateway drug that leads to the use of other, more dangerous substances.

“The truth of the matter is, there’s not nearly been enough evidence that has been acquired as to whether or not it is a gateway drug,” the 2020 presidential candidate claimed at a town hall meeting in Las Vegas. “It’s a debate, and I want a lot more before I legalize it nationally. I want to make sure we know a lot more about the science behind it.”

That said, Biden added that while he doesn’t personally support ending cannabis prohibition, “states should be able to make a judgement to legalize marijuana.”

“I think that’s OK,” he said.

Biden, who in past years has clearly said he thinks cannabis is a gateway drug and has a long record of supporting legislation to ramp up the war on drugs, was answering a voter’s question about whether his position on marijuana has changed.
“No, it hasn’t changed,” he told the town hall participant.

In 2010, the then-vice president said, “I still believe it’s a gateway drug. I’ve spent a lot of my life as chairman of the Judiciary Committee dealing with this. I think it would be a mistake to legalize.”
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/biden-says-marijuana-might-be-a-gateway-drug/

Watch Biden’s marijuana remarks, about 37:30 into the video below:

https://www.facebook.com/FoxNews/videos/433300084267261/?t=0

[progressoid]

76. "some say" "some in the medical community say"

Using "some say" is the definition of the "weasel word" way out of the argument.

[Autumn]

97. It's always "some say". My doctor, whom I trust and know says it's working very well for me.

She wishes she could tell all her patients to use it. When it comes to nerve pain there is nothing she can prescribe that works better than what I'm doing.


a "potway drug"

[progressoid]

112. You need to be careful! I've heard stories about what happens to people who smoke the demon weed!

At first it's just a little jazz music. Maybe some Kafka or Duchamp.

Before you know it, you're MAD!

[Autumn]

96. "Some say" and it's a "potway drug" "some serious medical folk" "we should just look at it"

That's some malarkey right there. All on a plant that has not one side effect. None of that was his position a few days before that.

https://www.marijuanamoment.net/biden-says-marijuana-might-be-a-gateway-drug/

Biden, who in past years has clearly said he thinks cannabis is a gateway drug and has a long record of supporting legislation to ramp up the war on drugs, was answering a voter’s question about whether his position on marijuana has changed. “No, it hasn’t changed,” he told the town hall participant.

His own words.

https://www.facebook.com/FoxNews/videos/433300084267261/

The National Institute on Drug Abuse says that “the majority of people who use marijuana do not go on to use other, ‘harder’ substances.”

A 1999 Institute of Medicine report found that cannabis “does not appear to be a gateway drug to the extent that it is the cause or even that it is the most significant predictor of serious drug abuse; that is, care must be taken not to attribute cause to association.”

Several studies have indicated that states where people have legal access to marijuana see reductions in opioid overdoses or that patients who use medical cannabis reduce their consumption of prescription painkillers.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

62. HAVE TO LAUGH HOW JOE'S CLEAR WORDS HAVE TO BE "REINTERPRETTED" ALL THE TIME!!

At least Bernie doesn't need an interpreter to understand him.


Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together & can't be bought!!
Jump on the Bernie Bandwagon & join the revolution!!

[Loki Liesmith]

51. It's a fscking waste of time.

It should be legal but it’s a shit plant.

[Devil Child]

6. Biden is opposed to personal liberty

If one wishes to consume marijuana then they should be able to do so without restriction and without fear of a legal consequence. Their body, their choice. No further studies are needed, full federal legalization is the only sensible position to me.

[George II]

9. Has nothing to do with "personal liberty".

[Devil Child]

13. Has everything to do with personal liberty no matter how hard you spin otherwise

Try that line on anyone who has been been on the receiving end of a marijuana law’s consequences and see if you can keep a straight face.

[George II]

15. We can say the same thing about speeding, parking in a handicapped spot, or spitting on the sidewalk

"Personal liberty!!!"

[Devil Child]

28. Yeah, you could if you were being facetious to deflect from the issue at hand

Liberty may be a joke to you but I don’t see it as such. I’m sure those who have been on the receiving end of marijuana laws feel the same and not be too enthusiastic about VP Biden’s position.

[George II]

36. I got a parking ticket a few years ago. I was on the receiving end of parking laws. For shame!!!!

[JoeOtterbein]

40. Where you locked up for it? nt

[melman]

58. Agreed

I have been on the wrong end of marijuana laws and it is no joke at all. I find it infuriating that some are so dismissive of this issue.

[TexasTowelie]

74. I've been on the receiving end of marijuana laws and I do understand Biden's position.

And while there are rumors about Joe's son and drug usage, it is possible that Biden has some experience in his family about this issue.

Would I prefer marijuana to be decriminalized? The answer is yes since I'll smoke it if I have it. However, would Biden's position on marijuana be the only reason I wouldn't vote for him? The answer is no.

[melman]

55. Wrong

It has absolutely everything to do with personal liberty.

[PatSeg]

14. He said,

we should study it AND decriminalize it.

[Mariana]

17. He said the exact opposite, in the quote in the OP.

"Couldn’t you look at the science and legalize it at the federal level in tandem?"

"No." - Joe Biden

[pnwmom]

30. You are misunderstanding. There is a difference between legalizing marijuana

and decriminalizing it.

Some Dems support legalizing it, like in my state. Others support removing the criminal penalties, while not fully legalizing it.

[PatSeg]

47. Like so many issues

this one is incremental and it has made a lot of progress in the past few years. Like same-sex marriage, it has started to be legalized on the state level. Decriminalizing on a federal level is a positive step forward and within a short period of time, it will be legalized everywhere as well.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

64. Wow!! Just another example of Joe's policies that look to the past, as contrasted with

Bernie's forward looking agenda.


Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together & can't be bought!!
Jump on the Bernie Bandwagon & join the revolution!!

[Devil Child]

20. No, he didn't. He stated he would respond according to further study

No. Why would you promote the science if the science would say it’d be a bad idea to legalize it? You’ve got to find out the facts first.

[Autumn]

21. No. He said the states should be able to "make a judgment to legalize marijuana," and he

would make it a schedule 2 drug, in the same class as fentanyl, morphine, opium, codeine, and hydrocodone. There's a huge difference in decriminalization and legalization.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

25. Yup, Bernie gets this too... he's never late to the party!!

Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together & can't be bought!!
Jump on the Bernie Bandwagon & join the revolution!!

[Devil Child]

32. Sen. Sanders has a sensible approach to marijuana laws for sure

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

65. Of course!! And so will President Sanders!!

Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together & can't be bought!!
Jump on the Bernie Bandwagon & join the revolution!!

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

63. Bernie favors personal liberty...just 1 of many clear differences favorin peoples freedom by Bernie

Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together & can't be bought!!
Jump on the Bernie Bandwagon & join the revolution!!

[Drunken Irishman]

83. I am assuming every candidate is against personal liberty then...

Because none would support legalizing, or even decriminalizing, other drugs like heroin.

https://www.marijuanamoment.net/bernie-sanders-again-voices-opposition-to-decriminalizing-drugs-beyond-marijuana/

So, let's be consistent in this accusation.

[Devil Child]

94. You assume correctly n/t

[Drunken Irishman]

111. So let's not just single out Joe.

[Gothmog]

23. There is a lot of talk out there on where I stand when it comes to our marijuana laws. Here are the

Link to tweet

[RandySF]

27. No offense, but cannabis is pretty low on my list of priorities.

[melman]

56. Good for you

But it just so happens that millions of people feel differently.

[EveHammond13]

31. don't care

[RandiFan1290]

91. We know. nt

[TwilightZone]

35. False.

Here's a link to what he posted on Twitter in November. He clearly supports decriminalizing it, expunging prior convictions, and legalizing medical marijuana. He also wants to reschedule it so it can be researched.

Link to tweet

[Gothmog]

38. You are using facts

[SunSeeker]

39. Thank you. nt

[JoeOtterbein]

41. Then why not only allow states to legalize cannabis? Why can't the good ole USA...

...legalize the medicine?

[Devil Child]

49. And why the need to have it "medicalized?"

Full federal legalization for recreation or medicinal purposes however one wishes to use it.

Marijuana is useful medicine for some but it’s time to end needing a doctor’s prescription to shield oneself or even have ease of access to it.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

72. Joe, you mean give We The People FREEDOM?!?! Now there's a concept!!

Thankfully, Bernie gets it!!


Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together & can't be bought!!
Jump on the Bernie Bandwagon & join the revolution!!

[progressoid]

77. STATES RIGHTS!

[napi21]

43. FWIW, my cousin in PA. got a script for MJ from her Dr. She just had knee surgery & was

given Hydacodone for the pain. Since Pa. made medical MJ legal, her Doc told he to try it. She had to get a card from the Staaate to be allowed to buy it from a dispensary. She had to try diff. doses, but she did say it made her paid go away.

I think Joe is from the same generation as I am, and initially, we resort to what we were all taught (that MJ is bad for you). I think there are enough Docs around now to show it does work for several ailments, one being pain. He'll change his mind when the studies prove it helps more that it harms.

[Maraya1969]

44. I don't think Biden would veto a legalization if it came through Congress.

And hey, I get a "bad" reaction to pot. I wish I didn't because I would like to use it for pain but it happens so I don't use it now.

The doctor told me that people with a physiological panic disturbance can have this type of reaction to pot. Of course it is also a dosage thing.

[totodeinhere]

48. I'm sorry if you get a bad reaction to it. Myself, I havn't smoked pot for

30 years and I don't miss it. But our anecdotes don't have anything to do with whether it should be legal on the federal level or not.

Also, I'm sorry you are in pain. I hope you have insurance that can pay for a visit to a pain management clinic.

[Maraya1969]

82. Thank you totodeinhere. Yes I am being treated for the pain. I just

would prefer a more natural treatment.

[totodeinhere]

105. Have you tried hemp oil? Some people who don't like smoking it can get good

results from a topical creme.

[Maraya1969]

107. I actually have hemp cream. It works great for aches and pains.

But this pain moves and I've been told and it seems very true that a lot of it is in my mind.

Once the pain in my joints go away I end up with pain in my stomach. It's screwed up but I am trying mind techniques now and I've had some success.

[totodeinhere]

108. Well my friend, I wish you the best.

And I know about pain having suffered from post surgical pain after major surgery. They gave me opiates for it but thankfully I didn't get addicted to the pain meds. Good luck to you.

[Maraya1969]

109. Thank you so much. eom

[Mariana]

52. I have a bad reaction to alcoholic beverages

I'm allergic and I get hives. I have minor surgery scheduled next week, and I'll probably get some marijuana edibles and see how well it works for pain relief, since the docs are getting so stingy with the narcotics. It's legal in my state.

[totodeinhere]

46. I regret that Joe doesn't have a more progressive attitude on this issue.

But IMO the horse is already out of the barn and legalization of cannabis on the federal level is inevitable and I think it will happen more sooner than later.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

69. Regrettable, yes...surprising, no. Thankfully President Sanders will enact progressive drug policies

that make sense.


Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together & can't be bought!!
Jump on the Bernie Bandwagon & join the revolution!!

[totodeinhere]

104. He will try but we need to take control of the Senate or Moscow Mitch will thwart him

at every turn just like he did with President Obama.

[bamagal62]

53. Least of my worries. I'm not sure this matters at this point.

[redstateblues]

67. Yawn. Bashers are getting desperate.

[melman]

54. Not good

Not good at all.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

66. Indeed, another policy of Joe's that's WAY out of date. He'd be wise to also evolve on this issue.

Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together & can't be bought!!
Jump on the Bernie Bandwagon & join the revolution!!

[boomer_wv]

59. This

Is near the bottom on issues for voters this cycle. It's just an irrelevant issue.

MJ is going to be legal nationally in the next few years, there's just no stopping it and there is booku bank to be made. The forces are going to be too much to hodl it back whoever is in there.

[Green Line]

61. You people are costing me a lot of money

Every post like this makes me donate to Joe

[backscatter712]

70. FFS! Is he trying to lose the election?

We've already had a number of peer-reviewed scientific studies. We already know cannabis is good for people with a number of medical conditions - cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, PTSD, autism...

And we also know the effects when used recreationally. Number of people dead from THC overdose? Zero. Chronic effects on the body? It's a lot less harmful than alcohol.

[UniteFightBack]

71. The next President no matter who has much other 'higher' priorities. nt

[liberaltrucker]

75. I'll vote for him if he's our nominee

nt

[Beartracks]

78. So his view could be "evolving," like Obama's views on gay marriage evolved.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

86. Yes, absolutely... and I commend Joe for evolving on many issues, more in line with Bennie's views.

Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together & can't be bought!!
Jump on the Bernie Bandwagon & join the revolution!!

[Beartracks]

89. Who's Bennie?

==========

[chillfactor]

79. canabis legalization not an issue for me.....

so this makes no difference in my support for him

[grantcart]

80. "We should study it and decriminalize it" is against Legal Cannabis

Typical misrepresentation from Sanders supporter.

Is it your position that Sanders is against studying it and decriminalize it?

[demosincebirth]

84. I really don't care!

[RandiFan1290]

90. We know. nt

[aikoaiko]

93. Reefer Madness is still his go to position on weed

SMDH

[gulliver]

95. Another perfect answer that will be far more effective than, say, Sanders yelling "Legalize it!"

Yelling and stamping feet about legalization doesn't get weed legalized (which is where I want it). It makes legalization harder to achieve, because it raises the hackles and fears of the opposition.

Joe's perfectly correct. Decriminalize. Study. Leave the states alone in their approach to weed. The time for federal level legalization is coming. Progress on that will only be slowed down by the wrong people angrily demanding it in the wrong way. The right way is for people who understand the anxiety of others about the issue to raise it in a non-threatening, non-strident way and gradually sell it. The states, one by one, are showing everyone that the water's fine.

[booley]

98. Which means a continuation of the Drug war

Which means millions of people in jail. Millions with criminal records holding them back.

A disproportionate number of them minorities.

But tell me again how Biden has been good for Black people?

[walkingman]

102. I fear Biden is stuck in the 20th Century. I like him but he needs to remember that Progressives

will determine if he gets elected.

[ismnotwasm]

106. To be fair

The studies surrounding marijuana especially from the government are shit. Government uses like one strain from Mississippi or something ridiculous like that. It definitely needs more study. And marijuana snake oil salesman need to stop claiming cures that don’t exist.

HOWEVER, A good dispensary can steer people in the right direction, as far as getting high, or just treating a migraine.

Fun fact; If you are an older woman, evidence is showing you have more canaboid receptors so benefits of marijuana may be more beneficial.


Joe Biden is wrong here, it needs to be legal on a federal level. Too many states have made it legal, while people are going to jail for possession in others. It’s a ridiculous situation.

[whistler162]

110. So Joe Biden is against taking hot vapors

into your lungs.


Why isn't Senator Sanders?