Why it matters: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has stated that he will not legalize adult-use cannabis if elected president. He expressed concern about the potency of modern cannabis and the potential for it to be laced with fentanyl.
What they are saying: DeSantis believes that today’s cannabis is much stronger than what was available decades ago and that it can cause significant problems, especially for young people. He also highlighted the danger of fentanyl-laced cannabis, although it is unclear how feasible it is to smoke fentanyl. DeSantis has taken a harder stance against cannabis as he gears up for the 2024 presidential election.
The big picture: DeSantis is positioning himself as a tough-on-drugs candidate and is ramping up his campaign to challenge Donald Trump for the GOP nomination. While he supports medical marijuana, he opposes further accessibility and legalization of adult-use cannabis. DeSantis is also focusing on smaller towns in early voting states like Iowa in an effort to gain support.
What to watch: It will be interesting to see how DeSantis’s stance on cannabis legalization and his overall tough stance on drugs resonate with voters. He currently has lower support among Republican voters compared to Trump, but the race is still early.
My take: DeSantis’s opposition to cannabis legalization is not unexpected, considering his conservative stance. However, his concerns about the potency and potential dangers of cannabis, including fentanyl contamination, may be questionable. While it is important to address any potential risks associated with cannabis use, it is also essential to consider the growing body of evidence supporting its medical benefits and potential economic opportunities. As marijuana legalization continues to gain traction across the country, it will likely be a prominent issue in the 2024 presidential election.
