During the platform meetings of the Republican National Conference, delegates voted not to endorse medical marijuana in their party’s official platform. During the spirited debate, opposition managed to bring up some of the classic reefer madness talking points to justify their votes.
Delegates in favor of the proposition spoke of the numerous lives being helped by the implementation of medical marijuana, as well as the children that “are being saved” by hemp products that have had success where other prescription pills could not.
However, opposition quickly arose and numbers grew quickly. A member from Utah claimed scientists have a “long way to go with research” on marijuana and argued that studies, which she did not provide, showed a link between it and mental health issues.
Another delegated added to the debate that people who commit mass murders are “young boys from divorced families, and they’re all smoking pot.” Yet another claimed a linkage between consuming marijuana and the triggering of schizophrenia. Most telling though, was the justification from one Republican that the measure should be opposed because it is funded nationally by Democrat and New York financier George Soros.
Pro-medical cannabis delegates attempted to fight back. “It’s not like we’re talking about Cheech and Chong here, folks. We’re talking about allowing people with debilitating conditions to ease their suffering,” Maryland delegate Ben Marchi said.
The proposal was too close to call by voice vote, but failed upon second vote.
Meanwhile, the Democrats finally endorsed a “reasoned pathway to future legalization” of marijuana and called for marijuana to be reschedule under the Controlled Substances Act.
