Gary Johnson, the Libertarian Party's Nominee for President this year, on marijuana legalization:
Johnson: I completely agree. In 1999, I said, Lets legalize marijuana, lets adopt harm reduction. Would the world be better off tomorrow if drugs were legalized? Absolutely. Ninety percent of the drug problem is prohibition-related, not use-related. Thats not to discount the problems with use and abuse, but that ought to be the focus.
Raw Story: Where do you think were headed as a country on drug policy?
Johnson: I think were at a tipping point on marijuana. I think were going to legalize it. I think Colorado is going to lead the charge. I think theyre going to vote yes this fall. I think thats going to be the first to 50 state dominos that fall. As you point out, 50 percent of Americans now support legalizing marijuana. Why is the number so high? Its because people are talking about it, and yet no politicians are talking about it. None. Zero. And there are a handful now that are, but lets see, why did I get elected? Why did I run for office? To be a leader?
Johnson: I completely agree. In 1999, I said, Lets legalize marijuana, lets adopt harm reduction. Would the world be better off tomorrow if drugs were legalized? Absolutely. Ninety percent of the drug problem is prohibition-related, not use-related. Thats not to discount the problems with use and abuse, but that ought to be the focus.
Raw Story: Where do you think were headed as a country on drug policy?
Johnson: I think were at a tipping point on marijuana. I think were going to legalize it. I think Colorado is going to lead the charge. I think theyre going to vote yes this fall. I think thats going to be the first to 50 state dominos that fall. As you point out, 50 percent of Americans now support legalizing marijuana. Why is the number so high? Its because people are talking about it, and yet no politicians are talking about it. None. Zero. And there are a handful now that are, but lets see, why did I get elected? Why did I run for office? To be a leader?