Several GOP Senators Oppose Legalizing Pot Following MORE Act Vote

Cannabis News World

May 28

Several GOP Senators Oppose Legalizing Pot Following MORE Act Vote
High Times

One of the most pressing current issues for cannabis advocates across the country is how U.S. senators, including GOP party members, plan to vote on multiple pieces of federal legislation to end the prohibition of cannabis. Ten or more GOP senators, as well as every Democrat vote, would be needed to pass. Shortly after the advancement of the MORE (Marijuana Reinvestment and Expungement) Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, a journalist from CNS News confronted several senators at the Capitol on April 5 and asked them if they themselves consume cannabis. The senators disagreed on whether or not cannabis should be legalized and left up to states to decide—almost entirely on party lines. CNS News asked Senator Ted Cruz, "The House voted last week to legalize cannabis. Do you use cannabis, and if not, why not?" "I don't because it's illegal and because it's harmful to you, Senator Cruz replied. "It's not healthy." Senator Cruz has flip-flopped back and forth on the topic of cannabis over the past several years. Forbes Senior Contributor Kris Kane listed Senator Cruz as one of "The 5 Worst U.S. Senators on Marijuana Policy." One can only wonder why he was included on the list, despite occasionally being on the side of cannabis when it suits him. Senator Cruz's statement was followed up by other GOP senators, including Senators James Lankford and Rick Scott. When also asked if he consumes cannabis, Senator Lankford said, "Do I use it? No, I absolutely do not." Lankford added that consumers need to follow the science. "I understand the House is going to try and skip the science and say we're not going to look into that because people use it; we're just going to allow it," said Lankford. "But increasing the use of cannabis doesn't make our…