Marijuana News

US Senate candidate acknowledges recent marijuana use

US Senate candidate acknowledges recent marijuana use

11/13/2021

 While on the campaign during the 1992 presidential election, then-candidate Bill Clinton was asked about his past cannabis use, and he famously responded, “When I was in England, I experimented with marijuana a time or two, and I didn’t like it. I didn’t inhale and I never tried it again.” While we all know now that he was lying through his teeth, he may have jeopardized his chances at the White House had he admitted to actually using marijuana. 

Marijuana legalization, now, is far more popular than it was nearly 30 years ago. It’s so popular in fact, senate-candidate Thomas McDermott Jr.  from Indiana not only acknowledged his recent marijuana use, but he also pledged to legalize marijuana at the federal level if he’s elected to the US Senate.  

McDermott admitted that he recently smoked marijuana at two recent Grateful Dead concerts in Chicago, Illinois while on his “Left of Center” podcast. He noted that he was not driving and he was not intoxicated. While many have suggested that his admission could potentially hurt his chances at winning election, he used that as an opportunity to point out the tax revenue Indiana is currently missing out on by not legalizing. 

McDermott currently serves as mayor of Hammond, the largest city in Lake City, and is challenging Republican Sen. Todd Young’s reelection campaign. While he has served as mayor since 2004, many are concerned that he isn’t well-known outside of the region. Young, in contrast, is known state-wide. 

While and admission of marijuana use may have been considered political suicide just 30 years ago, many politicians are no longer afraid to say they use cannabis. Marijuana legalization continues to grow in popularity across the nation, and many people seeking to serve in government are adjusting to the growing demands. As states continue to legalize recreational sales, more states will follow suit after examining the benefits. Don’t be surprised if more politicians start admitting to their history of marijuana use as the midterm elections approach. 

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