Joe Kennedy III calls for legalizing marijuana at the federal level

[MelissaB]

Joe Kennedy III calls for legalizing marijuana at the federal level

Rep. Joe Kennedy III (D-Mass.) is urging the U.S. to legalize marijuana at the federal level, a call that comes on the same day that Massachusetts opened its first recreational marijuana stores.

Kennedy in an essay for Stat admits that he's been skeptical about relaxing regulations surrounding marijuana because of his work with "mental health and addiction communities."

But Kennedy notes that he's heard from many other people about the positive effects that marijuana can have and said that has changed his perspective.

"I’ve had countless conversations with people on both sides," Kennedy writes. "One thing is clear to me: Our federal policy on marijuana is badly broken, benefiting neither the elderly man suffering from cancer whom marijuana may help nor the young woman prone to substance use disorder whom it may harm."

More: https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/417556-joe-kennedy-calls-for-legalizing-marijuana-at-the-federal-level?__twitter_impression=true

[ZZenith]

1. Somebody wants the nomination.

[JenniferJuniper]

2. My immediate thought as well.

[Bfd]

3. Somebody has an open mind considering the losening of mj laws in his NE States

More than we can say for many others. (ahem, Jeff Sessions)

Democrats will move us into the future & do so thoughtfully & with consideration for all Americans.
This is how it must begin.

Thank you Rep Kennedy, you are an honorable man.

[ZZenith]

7. A Democrat who doesn't come to his senses about legalization until 2018

can hardly be said to have an “open mind.”

[Bfd]

8. Let the smear campaign begin, then.

I prefer his call for a National Legalization.
It needs to be decriminalized first, and basic guidelines rewritten at the Federal level.
States can then use those guides to create their own laws.
It needs to be taken out of the hands of the DEA.
He is correct about this.
Careful consideration comes from an open mind when rewriting the laws across the board.

He is spot on.
Kudos to Rep Kennedy.

[ZZenith]

9. Smear campaign?!

For years the guy thinks weed smokers should be thrown in jail and now suddenly he’s the people’s champion on the issue.

Ok,then.

[Bfd]

10. And it begins.

Not everyone has been on board with legalization .
And they all have valid reasons.

He allows their voice & concerns to be as valid as the voice for legalization.

He has very much an open mind as to legislating for all those voices
Much more so than one who refuses to consider the other when writing legislation.

He is a fair & thoughtful Rep & he's right in starting with rewriting the laws of legalizing pot at the National level.

This is the neessary first step that has to take place.
It is the Federal criminality of it that has prevented State law from being honored.

He is exactly right & his awareness & concern for all arguments will serve a broader & more fair legislation.

He is absolutely correct, it has to start with National Legalization.

Thank you Rep Joe Kennedy

[JonLP24]

15. The pros of legalization outweigh the cons of keeping it illegal

I don't think their reasons are all that valid and I've witnessed the debate for years.

People can go to the store purchase alcohol and after a few drinks become severely impaired.

There have been absurd arguments going back years for prohibition.

[Bfd]

17. And? That is exactly the cautionary consideration that should be given when legislating pot.

Those are the legitimate concerns of those who advocate against legaization. Look at what Alcohol has done.
Its is a valid concern. And it is worthwhile to have a Rep who knows the concerns & the benefits from all sides.

[JonLP24]

19. Alcohol impairs you more severely than cannabis

Alcohol is legal why cannabis is far less harmful. With alcohol you can be laying on the floor with alcohol poisoning for days cannabis is not like that.

Using the effects of alcohol to keep cannabis illegal is not a valid concern. Charging people with crimes for it is stupid.

[Bfd]

21. That argument is as old as time. Valid but pretty much been beaten to death.

I remember it was used in 1970.

Its time to Legalize pot at the National level & leave the particulars to the indivual States to regulate.

[JonLP24]

22. Here is a recent example of an argument for prohibition

Local news anchor Kari Lake apologizes for tweet that #RedForEd is cover to legalize pot

Local Fox 10 news anchor Kari Lake apologized after sparking controversy on Twitter, tweeting on Tuesday that the #RedForEd teacher movement is a push to legalize marijuana.

The full tweet reads:

"What did I say?! #RedForEd is nothing more than a push to legalize pot. Check this out. T-Shirts are already printed!! This is a big push to legalize pot and to make it more savory by tossing teachers a bone with a substantial raise. #IHateTheDishonesty"

The tweet included a photo of a green T-shirt with the hashtag #GreenForEd.

MORE: Phoenix comedian goes viral with #GreenForEd after Fox 10 anchor tweet

Lake's tweet was later deleted, but backlash from Twitter users was apparent.

Lake apologized during the 9 p.m. news broadcast on Wednesday. "I’d like to take a moment to address a tweet I posted yesterday that upset a lot of people. It was addressing two big issues facing Arizona: teacher pay and the effort to legalize recreational marijuana. I made an incorrect conclusion in my tweet and for that I’m sorry," she said.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.azcentral.com/amp/552217002

Green for Ed argument is they could use tax revenue to increase pay and benefits for teachers which is what the #RedforEd teacher protests were about. I'm just saying there are a lot of invalid concerns coming from the other side

[Bfd]

23. Then legalize it Nationally. Who better to make the case tha one Joe Kennedy

One of there own who now has in hand a convincing argument for it.

He is a powerful figure for compromise and that is the key to gaining votes in the right direction.

[BootinUp]

4. Great idea. Time is right to push for it. Nt

[USALiberal]

5. Polls show even GOPers support legal pot. nt

[Blue_true]

6. I hope to see my state of Florida decriminalize recreational use of MJ.

I think legalization may be a stretch, but with Medical MJ now implemented across the state, decriminalization of it's use would be a next logical step.

[Adrahil]

11. This issue brings out voters.

I bet it might even bring out some 'neck voters to vote for the Democrat.

Let's make legalization a national platform plank.

[Bfd]

20. It is long past time. We need all leaders on board in smoothing the path to the easiest transition.

Rep Kennedy would be very necessary in changing minds of those who advocate against.
He was there also once, for his own reasons, but who better equipped to convince those voters of legalization, thru cautious legislation, and beginning by decriminalizing it at the National Level.

This gives a greater voice to influencing legislation within their individual States.
That would put legislating of all the particulars, in the individual States.

[Buckeyeblue]

12. I wouldn't be surprised to see 45 jump on this

Anything to bump his popularity.

[tritsofme]

13. I have been highly critical of Kennedy for his past stances on this issue. Good to see him moving

toward the rest of the party...sounds like he is seriously considering throwing his hat in the 2020 ring...

[NewJeffCT]

16. He's been a moderate to conservative member of the Democratic caucus

so, him moving to the left is welcome, and obviously means he has bigger plans than just a member of Congress.

(Not conservative overall, but he's in the lower third of House Democrats when judging who is the most to least progressive, despite being in a safe blue district in Mass)

[workinclasszero]

14. Bout time

[Jeffersons Ghost]

18. K&R