OPINION | Barry Richard: Will Warren Save the Day for Pot Users?
U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) could save the day for pot smokers who are worried that Attorney General Jeff Sessions might snatch away their right to light up a doober. But, she won't. Here's why.
The good folks of Massachusetts voted in 2016 to legalize the sale and use of recreational marijuana. Far out. The Trump Administration is threatening to rain on their parade, however, by rescinding an Obama era policy that had U.S. Attorneys look the other way as states, in full violation of federal law, allowed recreational pot use to occur.
Defenders of the weed are crying foul saying state's rights are being trampled. Politicians, who don't want their own kids to smoke pot, but are okay with yours doing it, are outraged. After all, the more weed your kids ingest, the more tax money they get to squander. There is big money in this.
Senator Warren could end all of this angst quickly. All she has to do is file legislation that rescinds the federal prohibition of marijuana. If the American people truly support legal weed as we are told they do, this could be over by Easter. End of problem.
Problem is, Senator Warren wants nothing more than to be President Warren. To file legislation to legalize pot, Warren would own the issue and would have to defend it on the campaign trail. We know that people in blue states like Massachusetts, Colorado, Washington, and California want legal weed, but what about people in red states such as Utah, Alabama, and Louisiana?
Warren was elected to represent the people of Massachusetts, right? The people of Massachusetts apparently want legal marijuana, no? Is it then not the job of our congressional delegation to fight for what we want? Should Liz Warren, a Senator for the people, not be out there filing legislation on our behalf?
Governor Charlie Baker wants legal pot. Mayor Jon Mitchell and the City Council support a grow facility in New Bedford. So, what's the problem, Senator? Here is your chance to lead, yes?
Yeah, right. Don't hold your breath.
Editor's Note: Barry Richard is the afternoon host on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from Noon-3pm. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.