Is McCain Any More Trustworthy Than Bush on Medical Marijuana?

The Marijuana Policy Project counts at least 10 of the 18 Democrats and Republicans running for president as "on the record in favor of ending the DEA's raids on medical marijuana and/or the federal government's prohibition on medical marijuana." I was struck by John  McCain's position:

Sen. McCain has stated publicly that he would protect states' rights in regard to medical marijuana, but he has yet to publicly confirm that he would end the DEA raids on sick and dying medical marijuana patients and their caregivers if elected….

When Sen. McCain gave his official campaign announcement speech on April 25, 2007, at Veteran's Park in Manchester, New Hampshire, he was asked if he would end the federal raids on medical marijuana patients. Sen. McCain answered, "I will let states decide that issue."

It's hard to put much stock in McCain's comment, since George W. Bush took the same position in his 2000 presidential campaign. "I believe each state can choose that decision [regarding medical marijuana] as they so choose," Bush told The Dallas Morning News in 1999. The unspoken qualification: The federal government can choose to override that decision.

Comments

[crimethink]

Yes, Bush said that he would let states have medical MJ. But that was before 9/11. Duh.

[Warren]

Sen. McCain answered, "I will let states decide that issue."

Since when? Has Sen. McCain ever voted to "let states decide" anything?

[crimethink]

From the Politicianspeak-English dictionary:

"I will let states decide that issue" = "I don't want to piss off either side by saying yes or no."

[JW]

This is a rhetorical question, right?

[LarryA]

When Sen. McCain gave his official campaign announcement speech on April 25, 2007, at Veteran's Park in Manchester, New Hampshire, he was asked if he would end the federal raids on medical marijuana patients. Sen. McCain answered, "I will let states decide that issue."

Right. And how are the states in charge of the federal DEA agenda?

[crimethink]

LarryA,

I think it's along the same lines as "we'll let the Iraqis decide when we withdraw".

[Randolph Carter]

This is an old point, but who gives a crap about medical marijuana (yes, I understand, the people who would use it for chronic pain) in its relation to actually legalizing drugs? "Medical Marijuana" is a poor man's victory against prohibition. It puts marijuana in the same class as scary Oxycontin and Morphine. Whoop-de-doo. What a loser of an issue.

[crimethink]

Shut up! My issue could kick your issue's ass!

[Warren]

Randolph Carter,

What is of interest here, is not so much progress on the Drug War, as it is the possibility of progress. McCain's rhetoric would indicate that he would break with the 'no quarter' prosecution of the WOD. However, given his history, and the precedent of past presidents, it is likely that he's just spouting weasel words and will do nothing to change the current insane paradigm.

So the story, is that one of the leading GOP candidates for president, is probably lying while making campaign promises... Oh right, Nothing to see hear.

[Sal Paradise]

McCain is just regurgitating Republican Talking Point #47 :

"We're for states' rights, except when we're not."

[Tom G]

Ron Paul, while not in the top 3 (yet), has stated several times that he supports states rights in regards to the Medical Marijuana issue, as well as other issues. It is very doubtful he would allow the DEA to do much if he was elected - if he even lets it keep a budget.

[Robert]

From 2000 & earlier I understood McCain to be an especially vehement drug warrior.

[crimethink]

Tom G,

It would be cool if President Paul fired everybody in the ONDCP and named Carrot Top to replace John Walters as director. Though, the level of comedy might decrease.

[Warren]

Though, the level of comedy might decrease.

I feel compelled defend the good name of Carrot Top. Far too often have lame missiles been hurled at the adept prop comic. Twenty some odd years ago Carrot Top played to the lunch crowd at my Jr. Collage. It was without question the most entertaining hour I ever spent at MCC, and I attended a Jesse Jackson Rally there. Besides, Carrot Top is an Aristocrat.

[crimethink]

Warren,

You don't mean Monroe Community College, do you? That's where I went for 2 years, though I made a point to never eat there.

[Randolph Carter]

Carrot top got all terrifying. Check it out here

[crimethink]

ROIDS!

I bet he doesn't have any trouble picking up chicks at the pay phones nowadays...

[Warren]

crimethink
You're an alum of Micky U!? Small world eh. I went on to get my BSEE at Brick City.

Still get back to town in the spring once a year.