Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, , a GOP presidential candidate for 2024, said she agreed with federal health officials of the Biden administration on marijuana’s rescheduling, saying that cannabis “obviously,” doesn’t belong to the same category as Heroin.
Haley was asked if, during a CNN town hall hosted ahead of New Hampshire’s primary election, she would support the move of marijuana from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act to Schedule III of that Act as suggested by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
She said, “I’ll agree with the scientists.” “I don’t think heroin is in the same category as this.”
She reiterated that she supports a broader marijuana policy, stating that “states should be able decide” about legalization.
“That should be done as close as possible to the people.” Haley stated that some states support it and are eager to see it happen. Others do not. “But I think it should be a more state-based decision as to whether or not they legalize marijuana.”
The candidate also made similar comments at an event in Iowa last week . She noted that as South Carolina’s governor, she had signed legislation to enact medical cannabis laws that were strictly limited and only allowed low-THC extractions for patients who received a doctor’s recommendation.
A key Republican Senator is now pushing to have a vote next month on a GOP proposal.
Haley described herself in May as a “states rights person” when asked about cannabis policies.
Haley, who served as the United Nations ambassador under Donald Trump, does not have a very extensive cannabis background. Haley has expressed an openness in the past to continue conversations with advocates and legislators about cannabis.
In 2014, South Carolina’s then-governor signed a bill that legalized industrial hemp and removed the nonintoxicating cannabis plant form from the definition of marijuana in the state.
Her position on states’ rights aligns her in general with Trump and Florida Governor. Ron DeSantis (R).
DeSantis, however, has also talked about letting the states navigate legalization. He’s expressed his personal opposition to this broad reform, and stated last summer that should he be elected, he would not decriminalize marijuana at the federal level.
According to a recent survey, the majority of respondents support the reform.
HHS recommended rescheduling after a thorough scientific review was completed last year. However, the Drug Enforcement Administration retains “final authority” in this matter.
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The post Nikki Haley Will ‘Go with The Scientists’ on Federal Marijuana Reclassification, Saying That It ‘Obviously Doesn’t Fit In The Same Class As Heroin first appeared on Marijuana Minute.
