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Trump’s VP Choice, Mike Pence, is No Good for Cannabis Supporters

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Photo by: Gage Skidmore

Photo by: Gage Skidmore

Presidential hopeful Donald Trump has selected Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his vice presidential running mate on the Republican ticket for November’s election, and it could signal dark times for cannabis supporters.

As Indiana’s Governor, Pence has overseen a terribly outdated drug policy in his state. Possession of any amount of cannabis can still be punished by a $1,000 fine and 180 days in jail. In 2013 the state legislature attempted to update Indiana’s criminal law by reducing the penalties associated with cannabis possession. Pence demanded that he would not sign into law any bill that lowered cannabis possession. Stating “I think we need to focus on reducing crime, not reducing penalties.”

Pence still holds onto the draconic belief that cannabis is a gateway drug. Despite an overwhelming amount of research and scientific evidence, not to mention the sentiment of the citizens in his state, Pence has remained staunch in his stance. According to a 2012 poll, 54 percent of Indiana voters were in favor of decriminalizing possession of a small amount of cannabis.

For his part, Trump has backpedaled significantly since he was quoted in 1990 as saying that the government should legalize cannabis and use the revenue to fund drug education programs. He now appears to be in favor of medical cannabis and adamantly against recreational cannabis.

“Marijuana is such a big thing. I think medical should happen — right? Don’t we agree?” Trump said in an interview with the Washington Post in October 2015. “And then I really believe we should leave it up to the states.”

With Pence in his ear, there is a chance that Trump’s stance could weaken. Only time will tell what a Trump/Pence administration would look like for cannabis supporters, but on paper it looks like it could be a grim four years. Traditionally the power of the vice president rested primarily in the senate, where they maintained order and broke any ties that might occur. However, history has shown that some vice presidents have held significant sway over their presidents. Think Dick Cheney or George H.W. Bush, both held significant influence over their superiors on select matters of state.  Although, if a Trump presidency is like his campaign, it is unlikely that he will let anyone sway him once he’s made up his mind.

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