Rand Paul: D.C. Residents Can Legalize Pot If They Want

Gage Skidmore

Everybody's favorite libertarian-leaning senator told BuzzFeed News that he is perfectly okay with D.C. voters opting to legalize marijuana on their ballots today.

"I think there should be a certain amount of discretions for both states and territories and the District," Rand Paul said when asked about the legalization measure on D.C.'s ballot by BuzzFeed News after he voted in Bowling Green, Kentucky, on Tuesday. 

"I think really when we set up our country, we intended that most crime or not crime, things we determine to be crime or not crimes is really to be determined by localities," Paul said. 

Paul would not say whether he supported the actual measure, however. That's fairly typical of Paul, and while it might not be as strong a statement as libertarians would want, it's certainly preferable to the anti-drug moralizing and grandstanding that prominent Republicans have resorted to in years past.

Follow Reason 24/7 tonight for live updates on the fate of libertarian-aligned ballot measures and candidates here.

Comments

[Paul.]

Everybody's favorite libertarian-leaning senator told BuzzFeed News that he is perfectly okay with D.C. voters opting to legalize marijuana on their ballots today.

That's TWO direct links to Buzzfeed, Reason. I'll be watching you.

[Bobarian (Mr. Xtreme)]

"I don't think the federal government should have fuck-all to say about it" is the perfect libertarian response (to any subject not involving treaties, real interstate commerce, and national defense).

[antisocial-ist]

This.

[faeriemama]

So much this. Bo-bo-bobarian. (Dave the Barbarian? Yes? No?).

[SugarFree]

BURN HIM! BURN THE WITCH!

/GOP

[Hugh Akston]

"I have no objection to man walking on the moon."

[Paul.]

Because giant steps are what he takes?

[Bobarian (Mr. Xtreme)]

sexist!

[sarcasmic]

Paul would not say whether he supported the actual measure, however. That's fairly typical of Paul

You mean he's just another politician? Nooooooooooooooooo!

[Episiarch]

No, don't you understand? He's a political savior! A TOP MAN! But that's nothing like the way Dems worshiped Obama, no sirree!

[sarcasmic]

But that's nothing like the way Dems worshiped Obama, no sirree!

It is a bit different. Obama offered ambiguous hope and change. Rand is much more specific and principled in his message. But kernels of corn in a turd doesn't make it a vegetable.

[faeriemama]

Dude. Like it or not he's a registered Republican. He does have to try to appeal to other Republicans as a result of that. He can't flat out tell the conservative or Christian Right that he's flat out Libertarian. I hope he'll wait till he's elected as president or even out of office before he'd say anything like that.

[BakedPenguin]

Considering he actually wants to be a Republican politician, endorsing federalism on this and other hot-button issues is a smart move.

[Flaming Ballsack]

at he is perfectly okay with D.C. voters opting to legalize marijuana on their ballots today."

sez theg uy who cryed his oor littlee yes out about losing jim crow. give thisl unatic the presidencie and most red states would be racist theocrati cdictaorships a week later and hey states rights means thats ok by him

[Aloysious]

This was beautiful. Please post more.

[sarcasmic]

Just out of curiosity, how much have you had to drink today?

[Brett L]

B-. This could be A material with a little work.

[Not a Libertarian]

You know who else has a flaming ballsack?

[Hugh Akston]

I enjoy art that makes you work a little to appreciate it.

[Doctor Whom]

We all love kittens, but would you please not let yours run across the keyboard like that?

[Warty]

A little over the top with the intentionally misplaced spaces. Keep at it. You might have what it takes.

[Agile Cyborg]

And D.C. residents who plan on voting for said weed legalization don't give a single fuck what Paul or any other politician thinks about it.

[Paul.]

This.