Vivek Ramaswamy, Republican presidential candidate and supporter of federal marijuana legalization, reiterated this in an interview aired Sunday. He called the state-federal conflict over cannabis “a farce”, which allows governments to unfairly attack people.
Ramaswamy, while appearing on Club Random, a podcast hosted by Bill Maher who smoked marijuana during the discussion, said that the disparity between federal and state marijuana laws was “a joke,” which “undermines rule of law.”
Maher said, “I believe we should align federal law with state law.”
Ramaswamy, when asked by Maher if this was an endorsement for federal cannabis legalization Ramaswamy admitted that it was. He replied, “That’s exactly what it means.”
Ramaswamy suggested that law enforcement can target people almost without discrimination because of conflicting laws.
Ramaswamy explained that when there are different standards in law, such as when the state says, “Look the other side and sweep it under a rug”, that is when an unfair system can be created that targets people for doing the wrong thing or thinking the wrong way.
Maher interjected, pointing out that historically “racism has been hidden behind states’ right,” but Ramaswamy minimized the role racism plays in America today.
He said: “This was a part of our history, and today I believe it–you’re right, political discrimination is the new equal of injustice in the law, that we have seen in decades or centuries past for racism.”
Ramaswamy is an entrepreneur, former pharmaceutical executive and has been a good drug policy advisor. His campaign is gaining popularity in comparison to Florida Governor. Ron DeSantis is the man who, so far, has been considered as the leading challenger to Donald Trump. Last week, he slammed Fox News for a story which portrayed him as supporting the decriminalization of certain “hard drugs.”
He posted “When you hit the swamp, it strikes back” on X (formerly Twitter), calling the article “more trash planted” and portraying himself as a victim of a media smear.
He clarified his view that decriminalizing certain psychedelics is just one part of a comprehensive drug control policy. He wrote: “I support decriminalizing ayahuasca & ketamine to help veterans with PTSD and prevent an epidemic of fentanyl & suicidal thoughts.”
Ramaswamy said to Maher that he does not drink or smoke. He said, “I don’t want to have too many vices.”
In a recent interview, the GOP candidate stated that decriminalization was an “important” part of drug policy. He also said that tighter border control and a reduced demand for drugs in the United States were essential.
“I think in the long run–and I’m talking about over a long run period of time–decriminalization, serially, is an important part of the long-run solution here,” he said during an appearance in late June at the Porcupine Freedom Festival (PorcFest) in New Hampshire.
Ramaswamy told the audience that he is skeptical about prohibition and “not someone who believes in a war on drugs.”
He also highlighted the availability of psychedelics for those who suffer from mental health issues.
“I am probably the only one in modern history of my party who is willing to have a discussion about it, at least for veterans.” Ramaswamy suggested that we start with PTSD. There is good evidence to support the use of psychedelics from ayahuasca up to ketamine. You could have a rational discussion about giving people off-ramps.
Other GOP presidential hopefuls have been more circumspect in their approach to legalizing marijuana on a federal level. Trump, for instance, has simultaneously referred to cannabis as “a popular thing” while claiming that it “does harm.”
“Canada went all the way [with legalization], other countries also did. He said in a recent Newsmax interview that some countries will not do it. “But I will look at the final results.” “But indications are this is not very helpful.”
DeSantis said, in June, that he would not decriminalize marijuana at the federal level if he were elected. He expressed concern about the potency and the potential for products to be laced, despite the lack of evidence. He said that if you did anything with it, “it could be goodnight there and then.” “You could be dead just by eating that, so that is problematic.”
Mike Pence was the vice president of Trump’s administration. He has been against marijuana for years and has opposed any incremental reform. Pence claims that cannabis is an entryway to other illicit drugs. He urged the Indiana legislature to criminalize illicit substances, saying that the state “leans into the war against drugs”.
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie claimed, in June, that , if he were elected, he would “end the drug war”, but only partially. He wants to concentrate on treatment and has a harsher approach for drug dealers. He said, “The dealers making money from this should be punished,” during a CNN Townhall. Christie is still opposed to the legalization marijuana and calls tax revenue generated by regulated sales “blood money.”
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is running for the Democratic Party and took a shot at DeSantis’ opposition to reform. He said If elected, “I will decriminalize marijuana at the federal level.” Similar to Ramaswamy he also declined an invite to smoke a joint alongside comedian Bill Maher.
Kennedy’s position on decriminalization aligns him with President Joe Biden who also supports decriminalization, allowing the states to determine their own cannabis laws. One top official told Marijuana Moment that he hoped to complete the review of marijuana’s federal schedule by year’s end.
Former Texas Governor: Psychedelics Reform is ‘More Supported by Republicans’
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