{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/policy/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2004-markdown","title":"What Will a Trump Presidency Mean for Marijuana?","slug":"what-will-a-trump-presidency-mean-for-marijuana","content":"## Trump’s Opinions\r\n\r\nTrump has expressed many different opinions on cannabis during his time in the public spotlight, so what his marijuana policies will be as president are slightly unknown. In the 1990’s, Trump expressed that he believed the war on dugs was a failure and that, “You have to legalize drugs to win that war.” He expressed the importance of legalization in order to take profits away from drug cartels and proposed country-wide marijuana legalization. \r\n\r\nMore recently on the campaign trail, however, he has expressed more [trepidation](https://www.leafly.com/news/politics/what-would-a-trump-presidency-mean-for-cannabis) about full scale marijuana legalization. Though he does recognize states’ abilities to individually legalize marijuana, he also has articulated that he sees some problems within states like Colorado, where marijuana is recreationally legal. The one aspect of marijuana policy that Trump has held steady on is his support of medical marijuana. Trump believes in full legalization of medical marijuana and recognizes its benefits as an alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals. \r\n\r\n## Trump's Potential Cabinet\r\n\r\nThough Trump himself, based on past opinions, does not spell disaster for the marijuana industry in the country, there is more concern related to many of his top cabinet picks. Many of Trump’s inner circle, who are suspected to be up for top cabinet positions when the Trump administration takes office, have records that are completely anti-marijuana. Chris Christie, Rudy Giuliani, and, possibly most importantly, Mike Pence, have all created their political careers around a strong anti-marijuana stance. \r\n\r\nChris Christie was very clear during his personal presidential run that he believed in following federal drug laws above all else. He has [implied](http://www.politico.com/story/2015/07/chris-christie-enforce-marijuana-illegal-2016-120769) in the past that President Obama is skirting some of his presidential duties by not enforcing marijuana laws in states where it has been recreationally legalized. Though Christie has allowed for medical marijuana in New Jersey, where he is the governor, he is very [clear](http://www.thecannabist.co/2016/09/15/new-jersey-medical-marijuana-christie-signs/63244/) that medical marijuana should only be used for very specific medical conditions, particularly when traditional pharmaceuticals have not worked. Christie is a staunch supporter of the gateway theory, which suggests that marijuana is a gateway drug to harder drug use, which has been widely disproved. \r\n\r\nRudy Giuliani was known for his crack-down on cannabis during his time as the [mayor](http://www.alternet.org/story/84515/nyc's_staggering_arrest_rate_for_pot_achieved_by_police_deception_and_scams) of New York City. His efforts experienced large amounts of backlash, though they are still in place in the city. As a result of his policies, which are considered by many to be racist, 400,000 people have been arrested for misdemeanor marijuana possession in the city in the last decade. \r\n\r\nMike Pence is known for rejecting multiple ballot measures in Indiana during his time as governor that would have decriminalized marijuana. Indiana is one of the few states where any amount of cannabis can land you in jail. Pence currently does not support medical marijuana in any capacity, though he has made comments that he could possibly support it in the future. \r\n\r\n## The Existing System & What Might Change?\r\n\r\nThe Obama administration has taken a non-interference stance on [cannabis](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/11/09/what-the-future-of-marijuana-legalization-could-look-like-under-president-trump/). Though cannabis technically falls under the Controlled Substances Act, the administration put memos into place in 2013 that state that the DEA should not inhibit the marijuana industry in states where it is legalized. The DEA is allowed to still interfere in state-legal industries when they involve particular problems like the minors, driving under the influence, or growing cannabis on federal land. These memos were put into place to allow state industries to run unimpeded and to focus DEA priorities onto major issues like the opioid epidemic. \r\n\r\nReversing the current policy, however, is extremely easy. Simply revoking the memo created by President Obama would render all non-interference policies void and allow for full intervention by the DEA. Maintaining the memos, and allowing for the continued expansion of the industry, is in the best interest of the Trump administration. According to a June Politico poll, 54% of Americans think that marijuana should be legalized in all capacities, while a whopping 89% of Americans are pro medical marijuana. \r\n\r\nThis idea has been driven home by the recent election, where all but one state with a marijuana proposition on the ballot passed it. Following the [election](http://www.livescience.com/56807-recreational-marijuana-california-massachusetts-nevada.html#infographic), 8 states have legalized recreational marijuana, 21 states have legalized medical marijuana, and 15 states have legalized limited medical marijuana, which mainly involves the allowance of only high CBD, low THC products. Going against marijuana legalization would be going against the majority of the population. \r\n\r\nNot only would going against marijuana legalization cause the Trump administration unnecessary trouble, it would ruin a great source of revenue for the government. The marijuana industry also serves to create many new jobs in many sectors, from labor to research to manufacturing. According the Harvard [economist](http://www.dailydot.com/via/marijuana-legalization-economic-argument/) Jeffrey Miron, there is $113 billion to be made from legalized marijuana, which could create $45 billion in tax revenue for the government. As an added bonus, marijuana legalization could majorly decrease the number of incarcerated people, cutting down on costs for the federal government to pay to keep people in prisons. Marijuana legalization will also cut down on the necessary budget for drug enforcement.\r\n\r\nIt is unknown exactly what stance the Trump administration will take on marijuana, but it is better for them, and the country as a whole, to at least maintain the industry as it is. Trying to cut down the current industry would be extremely costly, and cause major problems by going against the majority opinion of the country. Marijuana legalization is one of the few things the most of the country agreed on this election season, so it is in the best interest for Trump and his future administration to support, or at least not interfere with, the cannabis industry. \r\n______________________________________________________________________\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/83057948@N07/27628453642/in/photolist-J6r3H1-9pXsuo-aaAdYC-2bcnZi-BCPJRr-58fvFr-3C3scH-iXFgGa-5U1TNS-7wQykM-HCnKry-KWS9-6TnEMn-JAs7ur-9ConY9-f654mJ-apZyru-JzshGB-dEcwwR-6yeac-nJm9Zs-9dnu6X-fcB6dX-9wibdH-5reEGc-jj7qp-9tXzTh-6UC3BR-jj7ow-4Ay7dq-jj7tv-6cVHqj-7asLyE-agyQRH-4K7hBj-6urpoT-DFPLEG-a5fHJb-jj7rB-6qANwX-5vBkto-BGpP5E-eb4LHi-nA1wNT-bYf4Eq-eb4LRt-2sMJpt-9oAUoh-eb4LFT-b4BjaK)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3245033112582782,"src":"/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/ee604/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.png","srcSet":"/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/69585/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.png 200w,\n/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/497c6/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.png 400w,\n/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/ee604/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.png 800w,\n/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/0a5e0/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.png 1065w","srcWebp":"/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/58556/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/61e93/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.webp 200w,\n/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/1f5c5/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.webp 400w,\n/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/58556/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.webp 800w,\n/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/a71cf/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.webp 1065w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2080-markdown","title":"Hillary Clinton Should Up Her Game on Medical Marijuana","slug":"hillary-clinton-should-up-her-game-on-medical-marijuana","content":"As the November presidential election approaches, the issue of medical\nmarijuana has come to the political debate. The Democratic candidate\nHillary Clinton has presented a liberal-leaning, yet cautious\nstand on medical marijuana.\n\nClinton supports legal access to medical marijuana. She would like to\nsee more research into the medical benefits of cannabis, and has stated\nthat she would support the reclassification of marijuana to increase\nsuch research.\n\n\"I do think on the federal level we need to remove marijuana from the\nSchedule I of drugs, move it to Schedule II, which will permit it to be\nthe basis for medical research,\" said Clinton in an interview with [WBZ\nNewsRadio in\nBoston](http://boston.cbslocal.com/2016/01/25/hillary-clinton-wbz-newsradio-1030-boston-interview-joe-mathieu-new-hampshire-primary/)\nin January 2016.\n\nWhile this support is encouraging, I feel it doesn't go far enough. She\nneeds a more thorough exposure to the current cannabis environment to\nunderstand why she needs to \"up her game.\" In particular, she needs more\nknowledge about:\n\n-   Changes in marijuana attitudes\n-   Who is using medical marijuana and why\n-   The implications of federal narcotic classification\n-   Unequal access\n-   Economic sense\n\n**Changing Attitudes**\n\nSupport for legalizing marijuana for both recreational and medicinal use\nis at an all-time high. In 1969, at the height of the counterculture\nmovement, Woodstock and Vietnam War protests, fewer than 12 percent of\nAmericans supported marijuana legalization, and only about [four\npercent](http://www.gallup.com/poll/184298/four-americans-say-tried-marijuana.aspx)\nreported that they had tried marijuana. Research focused on marijuana as\na [gateway\ndrug](http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v228/n5277/abs/2281227a0.html),\non its psychological effects such as\n[psychosis](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1360-0443.1970.tb03956.x/abstract)\nand physiological\n[intoxication](http://archpsyc.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=490322).\n\nJump ahead nearly 50 years. A 2015 [Gallup\npoll](http://www.gallup.com/poll/186260/back-legal-marijuana.aspx)\nreport that 58 percent of Americans support marijuana legalization, a\n2015 [Harris\nPoll](http://www.theharrispoll.com/health-and-life/Americans-Ready-for-Legal-Marijuana.html)\nreport that 81 percent support medical marijuana usage and access, and\nabout [76\npercent](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55e5c9333236300006380000/who-is-taking-medical-marijuana)\nof doctors support medical cannabis. In addition, nearly [49\npercent](https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/nationwide-trends)\nof Americans admit to having tried marijuana and [12\npercent](https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/nationwide-trends)\nare current, regular users.\n\nThis growing support for legalized marijuana is a cultural change, which\nI believe is based on the growing idea that cannabis is safer than\nalcohol, the recognition that cannabis has specific medical effects that\nshould be explored and the complete failure of the \"[war on\ndrugs](https://news.vice.com/article/americas-top-cops-just-called-the-war-on-drugs-a-tremendous-failure)\"\nto curtail illicit drug use. Support is highest among younger\nindividuals (18 to 34 years) and those who typically support Democratic\nor Independent party candidates and platforms.\n\n**Medical Cannabis Users**\n\nApproximately [2.6 million\nAmericans](http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=005889)\nuse medical cannabis currently. According to a recent and comprehensive\nsurvey of\nmedical cannabis users, most are:\n\n-   Male (64 percent)\n-   College educated (84 percent)\n-   Live in or near a major city (84 percent)\n-   Between 25 and 54 years of age (61 percent)\n\nAmong the survey respondents:\n\n-   84 percent strongly agree that cannabis provides symptom relief\n-   66 percent use it as the primary method of treatment for their\n    medical issue\n-   64 percent use cannabis daily and 28 percent at least weekly\n\n**Federal Narcotic Classification Implications**\n\nMarijuana is currently classified as a [Schedule 1\nnarcotic](http://www.dea.gov/druginfo/ds.shtml), which by definition\nmeans it has \"no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for\nabuse.\" As such, research is difficult to conduct. It requires a complex\napplication process for a highly restrictive license from the Drug\nEnforcement Agency. In addition, funding for Schedule I drug research\ntypically comes from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, which tends\nto limit such studies to the effects of abuse, and not medical\napplications.\n\nIn addition to research roadblocks, cannabis distribution, possession\nand use remains a criminal offense, and federal laws could supersede\nstate laws. Although the [US Justice\nDepartment](https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-update-marijuana-enforcement-policy)\nupdated its marijuana enforcement policy in 2013 to defer their right to\nchallenge state legislation as long as states actively ensure a policy\nof strict regulatory control, in my opinion, the threat of federal\nprosecution remains.\n\nI believe that this threat would be reduced if Clinton's proposed\nreclassification of marijuana to a Schedule II drug occurs. Marijuana\nwould be downgraded to \"dangerous,\" which would put it in the same\ncategory as cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone and Adderall. However,\nthis classification is still misleading. Evidence shows that cannabis is\na [much\nsafer](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55c91db33934390006220000/cannabis-may-be-safer-than-opioids-for-managing-pain)\ndrug compared to these other Schedule II drugs.\n\n**Unequal Access**\n\nAs of 2015, 23 states, the District of Columbia (DC) and Guam have\npassed medical cannabis legislation. Clinton is on record for supporting\nstate-level legislation for medical cannabis.\n\n\"I think that the states moving forward is appropriate and I think the\nfederal government has to move to make this more available for research\nthat they can then distribute to interested people across our country,\"\nsaid\n[Clinton](http://boston.cbslocal.com/2016/01/25/hillary-clinton-wbz-newsradio-1030-boston-interview-joe-mathieu-new-hampshire-primary/).\n\nLeaving it up to the states, however, means unequal access as more than\nhalf of the states continue to block medical cannabis. Patients who\ncould benefit from medical cannabis are unable to legally obtain or use\nthe medication because of where they live. Those who cross state lines\ncould be subject to prosecution upon returning home with their\nmedication.\n\n**Economic Sense**\n\nAnother argument for the liberalization of marijuana legislation is\nfinancial. According to \"The State of Marijuana Marketing,\" by [ArcView\nMarket Research](http://www.arcviewmarketresearch.com/), \"The cannabis\nindustry is growing at a compounded annual rate of 30%, making it one of\nthe fastest growing sectors in the economy.\" States that have legalized\ncannabis have received an [economic\ninflux](http://www.arcviewmarketresearch.com/): Colorado generated $135\nmillion and Washington generated $70 million in cannabis taxes and\nlicense fees in 2015. These numbers are expected to grow.\n\nContrast that with the cost of enforcing federal marijuana laws. A [2010\nstudy](https://www.aclu.org/files/assets/1114413-mj-report-rfs-rel1.pdf# 77)\nestimated that the cost of prohibiting marijuana was $3.4 billion in\n2008. By contrast, legalization would have generated $8.7 billion in\nannual revenue.\n\nThis information makes it is clear that Clinton needs to become a\nstronger supporter of medical cannabis. In my opinion, it's just good\npolitics.\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/us-mission/7474207144/in/photolist-cotgoq-rJL2we-8RDKvn-9swt8u-9nvwp8-GzTZ2-a5JcrW-cotgGJ-GzTXG-9nvvyP-8RDLS8-bWk3oS-GzTph-8REqRx-9nyvcE-8QFKVJ-76EqzS-8RH41u-6M3iYF-8RH36G-8RHx9m-8RDGPx-7z58Nd-adwGWY-8XAkRa-9swsAS-4sDp2E-bHpkVe-8BcHK6-a5sPVJ-8ZN74w-bLRf3a-9swtgy-9noJB1-67REN2-HpWks-8RH697-7yYgc7-a5h7ju-ritmfB-bjVm7m-scZ6zq-d5yjmJ-8RDV5X-9oUBKL-d5ykus-psrCpp-8REeri-4KJPrV-brsQm2)\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4598540145985401,"src":"/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/ee604/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.png","srcSet":"/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/69585/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.png 200w,\n/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/497c6/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.png 400w,\n/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/ee604/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.png 800w,\n/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/fbaeb/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.png 1134w","srcWebp":"/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/58556/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/61e93/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.webp 200w,\n/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/1f5c5/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.webp 400w,\n/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/58556/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.webp 800w,\n/static/fdce0296b2e041bb82a481da6ea55ad9/bb5cc/2bf43d41fb6b9eeceab80fb4a3e9725b.webp 1134w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2229-markdown","title":"President Trump: Should Medical Marijuana Patients Be Wary?","slug":"president-trump-should-medical-marijuana-patients-be-wary","content":"As the year lurches closer and closer to November, Donald Trump's\r\ncampaign for the Republican nomination continues to gain steam. Trump\r\nhas a reputation as a political outsider who breaks from the GOP\r\nestablishment, and he's known for saying and doing unpredictable things.\r\n\r\nThere are plenty of issues where his stances are unclear. Particularly,\r\nTrump's opinions on medical marijuana have received little to no press,\r\nespecially compared with his outspoken positions on issues like\r\nimmigration and trade. With a Trump candidacy looking more likely with\r\neach primary, we should put some serious thought into what this wildcard\r\ncandidate's stance might be.\r\n\r\n**What Is Trump's Opinion on Medical Marijuana?**\r\n\r\nPart of the problem with predicting the position a Trump administration\r\nwould take regarding medical marijuana is that Trump himself has\r\nsubstantially changed his opinions on several issues over time. He has a\r\nreputation in the political press for [changing his\r\nmind](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/08/17/20-times-donald-trump-has-changed-his-mind-since-june/)\r\non issues as varied as abortion, ISIS and others.\r\n\r\nIn an\r\n[interview](https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1755&dat=19900414&id=eUoeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=EHoEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4675,4533445&hl=en)\r\nwith the Miami Herald in 1990, Donald Trump said he was in favor of\r\nlegalizing all drugs for adults. However, he announced at the 2015 [CPAC\r\nconference](http://www.c-span.org/video/?c4541840/donald-trump-marijuana)\r\nthat he opposes the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes.\r\n\r\nBut regarding medical marijuana, he's been more uniformly positive. At\r\nthat same conference, he said he is \"100 percent\" in favor of medical\r\nmarijuana, and he also [reiterated\r\nthis](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/10/29/trump-wants-marijuana-legalization-decided-at-the-state-level/?wpmm=1&wpisrc=nl_daily202)\r\nat a 2015 political rally.\r\n\r\nDespite the mercurial nature of Trump's opinions, it appears that he's\r\nrelatively constant about the merits of medical marijuana and how to\r\nenforce federal laws surrounding it. Still, we should keep a close eye\r\non any opinions the candidate might voice, just in case.\r\n\r\n**Chris Christie as Attorney General?**\r\n\r\nWith former New Jersey governor Chris Christie's recent endorsement of\r\nDonald Trump, pundits have speculated that Christie is [jockeying for a\r\nplace](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/02/26/4-reasons-why-chris-christie-endorsed-donald-trump/)\r\nin a Trump administration. While it's possible that Christie's trying to\r\nbecome Trump's vice presidential pick, there's been ample speculation\r\nthat he's leaning toward a position as Attorney General - especially\r\ngiven his previous experience as US Attorney for New Jersey. Since the\r\nattorney general heads the Department of Justice and makes essential\r\ndecisions about prosecution and the federal government's legislative\r\nauthority, whom the president chooses as his attorney general has a\r\nmajor impact on how federal marijuana laws are enforced.\r\n\r\nChristie generally takes a [very strong\r\nstance](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/14/chris-christie-marijuana_n_7066636.html)\r\nagainst marijuana legalization on a state level. If he were to become\r\nPresident Trump's attorney general, it's likely that he'd seek to pursue\r\nstrict federal enforcement of existing marijuana laws. However, while\r\nthe attorney general is a powerful figure, the attorney general works\r\nfor the president, and carries out the administration's policies. Since\r\nTrump's position on medical marijuana is more moderate than Christie's,\r\nit's possible that Attorney General Christie could soften his stance on\r\nmarijuana, especially medical marijuana.\r\n\r\n**The Importance of States' Rights**\r\n\r\nPolitical conservatives in the United States have a strong record of\r\nsupporting the states' rights to decide policies about certain social\r\nissues, including abortion and gay marriage. The traditional\r\nconservative stance has been a strict construction of the 10th\r\nAmendment, saying that any powers that are not strictly enumerated by\r\nthe federal government are left to the states to decide.\\\r\n\r\nHowever, the legality of medical (and recreational) marijuana has\r\n[polarized](http://theweek.com/articles/569009/why-marijuana-legalization-rare-issue-that-divides-2016-republican-presidential-field)\r\nthe GOP field this election season. Some GOP candidates have expressed\r\ntheir support for states deciding and enforcing their own marijuana\r\npolicies, while others have said that various states' policies\r\nsurrounding marijuana are illegal vis-a-vis federal law, and that\r\nfederal law should be strictly enforced.\r\n\r\nBut further complicating the issue is the fact that a large part of\r\nTrump's appeal to voters is that he doesn't follow conservative\r\northodoxy. Trump leaves many of American politics' traditional\r\nleft-right distinctions behind. If Trump were to take office, would he\r\ntow the standard conservative line, and leave medical marijuana\r\ndecisions up to the states? Or would he follow suit with many of the GOP\r\ncandidates, and reject the legality of medical marijuana? Thus far, it\r\nappears that he generally sides with medical marijuana patients (and\r\nagainst recreational users), but only time may tell.\r\n\r\n**Conclusion**\r\n\r\nThis early in the race, it's difficult for us to say exactly how things\r\nwill pan out. It's not clear that Trump will become the Republican\r\nnominee. It's not clear who he'll choose as his attorney general, or\r\nwhere Chris Christie would fit into a Trump cabinet (if anywhere). And,\r\nof course, Trump's own positions are frustratingly vague to many\r\npolitical observers. On several major issues, he's regularly changed his\r\nstance, just during this election.\r\n\r\nGenerally, Trump seems to support medical marijuana prescription and\r\nusage. This is, tentatively, good news for medical marijuana patients,\r\nwho use cannabis for conditions as\r\n[diverse](https://www.hellomd.com/medical-marijuana-patient-survey) as\r\nglaucoma, chronic pain, migraines, anxiety and more.\r\n\r\nBut the tens of thousands of individuals in the US who rely upon this\r\ndrug shouldn't rest easy. With so much uncertainty surrounding this\r\nelection -- and the positions of the GOP frontrunner -- it's important\r\nto stay on top of the issues. Patients, caretakers and advocates should\r\neducate themselves about candidates' stances on medical marijuana use,\r\nas well as the legalization, regulation and taxation of recreational\r\nmarijuana. The US political arena is rapidly changing, especially\r\nsurrounding drug legalization, and if we educate and mobilize voters and\r\nconcerned citizens, we can make a huge difference for good.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/cornstalker/23975424301/in/photolist-CwCjmv-BGpGEq-CunnCo-BGpJm1-4mwzgP-Cuniqq-nA1rVe-9oAUqq-EsxmH-nwVj-BGwX76-6SWxYT-ebaoJu-C6q4TK-5T1Vx7-nUhD7B-9rTKRf-akkXc8-5HZc8c-zDKagq-9oAUoh-nAiF8N-kEGvd-bFa66k-9oAUn3-GwdGf-9CkAh7-eb4Lw8-9oAUkY-eb4Lx4-6nF17e-9oxQZV-rMrEv-bFPGXt-6cVHqj-6UC3BR-buUxhM-anfnqP-jj7rB-6qANwX-4Ay7dq-777Qgi-e4vqiJ-6LHCmp-63jb3b-7GxFMG-DArDY-CDVn7Z-BGwTMF-8sCfMT)\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4814814814814814,"src":"/static/09893442d62329cec659ce8f52ca954d/ee604/62102dfcaf57e23f5b7f47343873a184.png","srcSet":"/static/09893442d62329cec659ce8f52ca954d/69585/62102dfcaf57e23f5b7f47343873a184.png 200w,\n/static/09893442d62329cec659ce8f52ca954d/497c6/62102dfcaf57e23f5b7f47343873a184.png 400w,\n/static/09893442d62329cec659ce8f52ca954d/ee604/62102dfcaf57e23f5b7f47343873a184.png 800w,\n/static/09893442d62329cec659ce8f52ca954d/e781a/62102dfcaf57e23f5b7f47343873a184.png 1143w","srcWebp":"/static/09893442d62329cec659ce8f52ca954d/58556/62102dfcaf57e23f5b7f47343873a184.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/09893442d62329cec659ce8f52ca954d/61e93/62102dfcaf57e23f5b7f47343873a184.webp 200w,\n/static/09893442d62329cec659ce8f52ca954d/1f5c5/62102dfcaf57e23f5b7f47343873a184.webp 400w,\n/static/09893442d62329cec659ce8f52ca954d/58556/62102dfcaf57e23f5b7f47343873a184.webp 800w,\n/static/09893442d62329cec659ce8f52ca954d/ece39/62102dfcaf57e23f5b7f47343873a184.webp 1143w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5648,"name":"Policy","slug":"policy","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}