Rep. Jared Polis Uses Cannabis Platform in Bid for Governor’s Seat
photo by Brandon Harper
Rep. Jarid Polis has joined the ranks of individuals who are competing to become the next governor of Colorado. On June 12, Rep. Jared Polis declared his run for Governor of Colorado. A Polis win has the potential to make a positive impact on Colorado’s adult-use cannabis industry.
Polis announced his run against Rep. Ed Perlmutter, former Senator Mike Johnston, former Colorado Treasurer Cary Kennedy, Prosecutor George Brauchler and Mitt Romney’s nephew, Doug Robinson. “Tomorrow morning I’ll be announcing my candidacy for Governor of Colorado here in Pueblo, Polis posted on Reddit earlier this week. “I’m announcing online on Reddit first. Maybe I’m the first redditor to run for governor? Maybe not. My interests in Congress include bitcoin/blockchain, US-Mexico relationship, marijuana and hemp legal reform, improving our schools, making college more affordable, much more . . . ” Polis serves Colorado’s Second Congressional District and was elected to the seat four consecutive times.
The openly gay Democrat ranks among some of the wealthiest members of Congress with a net worth between $90 million and $387 million. Polis could easily personally finance an effective election platform. Polis co-founded the Cannabis Caucus, along with Rep. Earl Blumenauer, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher and others. Polis also introduced the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act on February 20, 2015. The bill was reintroduced on March 30. It would remove cannabis from all schedules under the Controlled Substances Act.
Ed Perlmutter is also a member of Congress’ Cannabis Caucus, although he originally opposed Amendment 64. Although several other candidates are fighting for expanding recreational cannabis policy, Polis is among the most outspoken to embrace every aspect of the industry. Polis’ entry into the race shifts the whole race configuration because progressive candidates in the past have had little or no competition.
Should Polis win the election, he would rewrite history not only as Colorado’s first openly gay governor, but also the most cannabis-friendly governor the state has seen. Watch the campaign announcement video here.
