A recent editorial from Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director, delves into the political disconnect between prominent legislator’s statements on marijuana reform and the actions they end up (not) taking.
Allan focuses on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Republican Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH), illustrating their two completely different backgrounds and positions while showing how their actions are essentially identical when it comes to marijuana law.
Pelosi has been a positive advocate for medicinal marijuana for years, but has yet to put those words into definitive action. On the flip side, Boehner is a libertarian that favors reduced governmental interference while still regurgitating DEA-styled talking points against marijuana. He’s more than happy to support that status quo, instead of listening to his (and basically the entire country’s) constituents.
It’s going to take one politician with the power and guts to stick their neck out to really advance marijuana law reform. As it sits, the chances of Nancy Pelosi being a champion for the cause are looking more and more unlikely.
Allan finishes his article perfectly by coining the term Pelosi-Boehner Cannabis Conundrum, a fitting reference for leaders who are not leading.