G.O.P. Presidential Candidates and Medical Marijuana

Republicans often pride themselves as the party of limited government, federalism, and state’s rights (try not to laugh) but when confronted with issues such as medical marijuana these principles go out the window. Several states have passed laws which make it legal for doctors to prescribe cannabis to patients (usually terminally ill patients) as a way to relieve pain and suffering. Despite the will of the voters in these states, the federal government decided it knew better.

Medical marijuana is controversial in the medical community but there is evidence that this treatment helps patients in certain circumstances. Angel Raich suffers with a brain tumor, chronic pain, seizures, Scoliosis, TMJ and other medical conditions. Angel was once in a wheelchair due to paralysis but her therapeutic use of cannabis made it possible not only to ease her pain but also gave her mobility without the aid of a wheelchair. Angel’s doctor has even gone as far to say that if she were to stop using cannabis, she could die of malnourishment and/or dehydration. No other drug has helped her. Despite this, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that Angel should not have the ability to use this treatment for her condition (the law’s the law ya’ know).

Now its presidential campaign season and G.O.P. hopefuls are being asked how they would address this important issue. Unfortunately, all but one is completely ignorant on this issue and how the federal government has chosen to respond.

Rudy Giuliani


Giuliani’s reliance on the FDA is disturbing. How many life saving drugs have never reached the market because the FDA stood in the way? We will never know for sure. Because a few people might respond negatively to a drug, those who may benefit would be deprived. Furthermore, there has never been one documented case of anyone dying from an overdose of marijuana. But never mind that, Giuliani and the FDA know better.

Mitt Romney


Romney’s response is the most disturbing in my opinion. He can’t get away from that man in a wheelchair fast enough!

John McCain


McCain wants evidence that government agents are raiding the homes and arresting patients using medical marijuana. In the next clip, he is offered some.

McCain again…


Another man offers McCain a letter written by New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson (D) detailing events of a federal raid on the home of a medical marijuana patient. McCain “respectfully” calls Richardson a liar in so many words. I know that Richardson’s a Democrat, but honestly, would he lie about something like this happening in his own state? Even so, none of this matters to McCain. John McCain knows better than the doctors and patients.

Fred Thompson


Soon after Thompson entered the race, I stopped short of endorsing him (I’m glad I didn’t). His response to this question seems to run counter to all his talk of federalism. Thompson makes no commitments on the issue but is “sympathetic” to this woman’s condition. How sweet of him.

Mike Huckabee


Huckabee is also sympathetic to the woman’s plight but is “not convinced” of the efficacy of medical marijuana. He does at least say he is open to legalization on the federal level if he can be convinced from medical evidence. My hunch is that he will only believe anti-cannabis evidence.

Ron Paul


I can’t really add much to Ron Paul’s answer; he’s right on the money. It’s kind of interesting that the one candidate who is a doctor would not deprive an individual of this treatment. Paul goes even further to say he would end the war on (some) drugs once and for all. Ron Paul believes that YOU know better what’s right for YOU.

Hat Tip: Doug Mataconis @ The Liberty Papers