The New Republicans? Marijuana Users?

This article was originally published on the Marijuana Patients Organization site on November 7, 2013.

Let’s face it, when Mitt Romney said 47% of voters only vote straight ticket Democrat for the perceived social benefit to them, that is an accurate statement. That exact figure may not be all together correct, but it makes sense to me. As the rich get richer, this number will surely grow and prove a challenge to the Republican party.

This election taught us two things. First, Americans are smarter than politicians give them credit for and voters are demanding their personal rights back, a normal request. With the passage of gay marriage, marijuana legalization and several successful recall initiatives, social progress is starting to catch up where it left off in the late 1990’s.

What can Republicans do instantly to grow their base without sacraficing their tax policies? While it may seem an odd pairing, Republicans and marijuana legalizers, this could help grow their base enough for next election cycle. Legalization is coming and kind of is already here. 85% approve the medical use and 60% would assume tax and sell it. Colorado and Washington voters just legalized the recreational use for adults. Legalization of the medical use would be a better proposition for Republican than the alternative recreational, or the unspeakable, supporting gay rights.

While support coming from the right will likely bring federal reform for the medicinal use, you can bet that cops and courts will continue to fight the recreational aspect. Likely outcome: Republicans to support only the medical use and let State’s continue the recreational-legalization-science-experiments that are happening across the map.

If this new Republican party brings us uncertain and difficult Federal reform for medical marijuana, our Michigan Medical Marihuana Act is written in a way that will give Michigan and it’s leadership the best chance to work with change as compared to all other States medical marijuana laws.

Once the Republicans ask the question, they will soon find out how many in their own base have been ready to support reform and attract desperately needed new voters.