Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe (D) is the most recent Governor to come out and endorse medical marijuana. More and more politicians are getting on the marijuana reform bandwagon everyday. Whether they actually believe in reform, or are just claiming to do so because it’s a popular political topic, only time will tell. We will have to wait and see if actions follow, or if this is just political rhetoric. Per the Huffington Post:
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) said that he was open to legalizing medical marijuana in his state during a radio interview on Wednesday. He added that he was “not there yet” on legalizing pot for all adults, a formulation that indicates the famously savvy governor knows which direction the issue is headed and is leaving himself the option of moving that way.
Appearing on WTOP’s “Ask the Governor” program, McAuliffe said that he supported legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes, but that he didn’t think a bill supporting such a measure would pass the Virginia legislature anytime soon.
“I’ve supported the issue of medical marijuana for issues of people that it could help medically. I certainly would look at that, I think we ought to look at that,” McAuliffe said. “I think a couple members of the General Assembly have talked about it, but listen, it’s an issue I know the General Assembly has not taken up. And when it gets to my desk clearly I would evaluate it and listen.”
When politicians say that they support medical marijuana, but don’t provide many details. it begs the question ‘what form of medical marijuana are you referring to?’ Does Governor McAuliffe only support CBD-only ‘medical marijuana?’ Because if so, this endorsement doesn’t mean much in my opinion. However, if he believes in safe access points, home cultivation, and other details that are really medical marijuana related, than this endorsement is huge. I look forward to what Virginia does in the near future and hope that this is more than just political rhetoric.
