The Government Accountability Institute (GAI) published a “Cannabis Croynism” investigation on Friday detailing potential political corruption surrounding the $21 billion marijuana industry, including conflicts of interest involving former Rep. John Boehner (R-OH), Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-NY).
The 75 page report is well documented and should be used to call out the motives of politicians who have elevated the legalization of pot to one of the nation’s highest priorities. The pot industry has become a major political player pushing elected officials to prioritize pot profits and pot industry donations over public health, safety and science.
What else explains the rapid march towards legalization by both Democrats and many Republicans? For two parties that can’t even agree on the time of day, how does pot become the ONE ISSUE that unites them?
“When organized crime victimizes individuals, communities and cities it is considered abhorrent and criminal. But when elected officials do the same (for the same reasons – money and power) it is considered a part of their ‘public service.’ Who knew there was corruption associated with the marijuana industry and government officials? Everyone. It is about time someone documented it and laid it out plainly for all to see.” Scott Chipman
The timing is important as Congress and many additional states are sprinting towards the edge of a public health and safety abyss like lemmings. Only the government lemmings actually benefit while consigning the death and injuries to young people, the mentally ill, their families and the innocent – children of pot users, victims of psychotic violence, and crash victims.
IT’S NOT ABOUT THE SCIENCE, IT’S ABOUT THE MONEY & POWER
“For decades the science has pointed plainly to the serious harms of this drug and the dangers of normalizing the use, increasing the psychotropic potency, and commercializing it. That science has largely been ignored by the media and elected officials. It is clear pro-pot officials are ignoring the science for personal and political financial gain and power.” Carla Lowe – President of AALM
The rationale for this unholy alliance with the pot industry includes the following examples starting at the bottom of page two of the GAI Report
And while most cannabis-related regulatory and legislative action is happening at the state level, some national level political figures have leveraged their positions to make money from cannabis legalization.
For example, in 2017, Paul Pelosi Jr., the son of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was named Chairman of the Board of Directors of Freedom Leaf, Inc., a consulting firm advising the budding marijuana industry. The following year, the company entered the CBD distribution business, while Pelosi purchased more than $100,000 in company stock.
House speaker Nancy Pelosi recently defended a provision of the Democratic coronavirus relief bill tied to marijuana, calling it “a therapy.” “I don’t agree with you that cannabis is not related to this,” Pelosi said during a press briefing, according to The Hill. “This is a therapy that has proven successful.” The science indicates that pot use increases the risk of contracting COVID-19, impairs the lungs and pot users who contract the virus have more serious COVID-19 cases.
Former Republican Speaker of the House John Boehner, who staunchly opposed legalizing marijuana in Congress, is now bullish on the industry. “This is one of the most exciting opportunities you’ll ever be part of,” he says in a video announcing his new National Institute for Cannabis Investors. “Frankly, we can help you make a potential fortune.” Boehner stands to earn an estimated $20 million if his group succeeds in persuading the federal government to legitimize marijuana.
For example, in 2017, Paul Pelosi Jr., the son of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was named Chairman of the Board of Directors of Freedom Leaf, Inc., a consulting firm advising the budding marijuana industry. The following year, the company entered the CBD distribution business, while Pelosi purchased more than $100,000 in company stock.
House speaker Nancy Pelosi recently defended a provision of the Democratic coronavirus relief bill tied to marijuana on, calling it “a therapy.” “I don’t agree with you that cannabis is not related to this,” Pelosi said during a press briefing, according to The Hill. “This is a therapy that has proven successful.” The science indicates that pot use increases the risk of contracting COVID-19, impairs the lungs and pot users who contract the virus have more serious COVID-19 cases.
Former Republican Speaker of the House John Boehner, who staunchly opposed legalizing marijuana in Congress, is now bullish on the industry. “This is one of the most exciting opportunities you’ll ever be part of,” he says in a video announcing his new National Institute for Cannabis Investors. “Frankly, we can help you make a potential fortune.” Boehner stands to earn an estimated $20 million if his group succeeds in persuading the federal government to legitimize marijuana.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo was staunchly against legalizing marijuana in 2017 but after receiving over one million dollars in donations from pro-pot interests he has now seen a new light.
Now we will see where the priorities and loyalties of elected officials are – to pot industry donors or to public health and the welfare of our young people?
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