Ramaswamy's Drug Policy Views: "Vivek is in favor of federal legalization of marijuana"
Ramaswamy's Stance on Drug Policy
Republican presidential contender Vivek Ramaswamy has voiced his support for the federal legalization of marijuana and permitting veterans with PTSD to use specific psychedelics. However, Ramaswamy's campaign is pushing back against a recent article by Fox News that implied he advocated for the decriminalization of 'certain hard drugs.' He asserted that such broader reforms are 'significant' within a comprehensive strategy.
On Monday, his campaign responded to the news by stating, 'Vivek is in favor of federal legalization of marijuana.' The campaign criticized the current state-level 'legalization' efforts, deeming them a 'farce' that promotes lawbreaking. Ramaswamy also took to social media, posting, 'I support decriminalizing ayahuasca & ketamine for veterans suffering from PTSD, to prevent the epidemic of fentanyl & suicide.'
These statements come as the 38-year-old entrepreneur clarifies his stance on drug policy following the Fox News article labeling him as a party defector due to his support for drug decriminalization. Dismissing the article on the X platform, formerly Twitter, he commented, 'When you strike the swamp, the swamp strikes back,' calling the article 'planted trash.'
More planted trash. I support decriminalizing ayahuasca & ketamine for veterans suffering from PTSD, to prevent the epidemic of fentanyl & suicide. It’s pathetic that Establishment candidates are using lies as a substitute for a message. When you strike the swamp, the swamp… https://t.co/NHrQ2lxadb
— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) August 15, 2023
Ramaswamy's Views on Decriminalization and Drug Policy
Despite implying media bias, Ramaswamy did not specify inaccuracies within the Fox report. While his campaign clarified his marijuana stance, it did not address his views on other drugs. In a recent interview, he repeatedly stressed that decriminalization is a crucial aspect of a broader drug policy, highlighting the necessity of tightened border security and decreased U.S. drug demand.
During an appearance at the Porcupine Freedom Festival in New Hampshire, Ramaswamy described decriminalization as an 'important' component of a long-term solution. He expressed skepticism about drug prohibition, emphasizing that he is 'not a war-on-drugs person.' He also advocated for the use of psychedelics as an alternative treatment for mental health conditions.
Ramaswamy stated, 'I’m probably the only person in the modern history of our party that is open to a conversation about, for veterans at least. Let’s start with PTSD, where there’s good evidence for psychedelics, from ayahuasca to ketamine.' He added that this approach would offer 'off ramps' for those in need.
Several other GOP politicians have recently voiced support for easing restrictions on psychedelics. Representative Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) shared his positive experiences with ibogaine, while Ramaswamy recounted cases of parents who believe that alternative paths could have saved their children's lives.
Ramaswamy's Stance on Marijuana and Comparison with Other Candidates
Ramaswamy also discussed strengthening border protection against synthetic opioids like fentanyl from Mexico and China. He emphasized that many fentanyl-related deaths result from people unknowingly consuming it, often through counterfeit drugs. He highlighted the need for addressing both supply and demand issues in combating drug-related problems.
Regarding marijuana, before his campaign expressed support for federal legalization, Ramaswamy generally advocated for the limited decriminalization of cannabis. He labeled the current approach as a 'farce' that necessitates catching up with the times. Other GOP candidates have displayed more cautious approaches to federal marijuana legalization.
Former President Donald Trump acknowledged cannabis's popularity while also raising concerns about its potential negative impacts. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed reservations about federally decriminalizing cannabis due to concerns about potency and adulteration. Former Vice President Mike Pence and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie have expressed strong anti-marijuana stances.
On the Democratic side, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shared a similar view with President Joe Biden in supporting decriminalization and state autonomy over cannabis laws. Biden also initiated a review of marijuana's federal classification, aiming to conclude the assessment by year's end."
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