Could House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) be open to changing his mind on marijuana?
Scalise is currently taking a poll on his website asking “Do you support the legalization of marijuana at the federal level?” with the option to submit an answer of “yes” or “no.”
His office denies that this signals a change of heart, however, saying he merely “likes to know” people’s opinions.
“Congressman Scalise is a staunch Conservative who likes to know what his constituents are thinking on issues,” his spokesperson told reporters. “Scalise is opposed to the legalization of marijuana because, as noted by law enforcement officials, it is a gateway to more dangerous drugs, but he always appreciates learning the views of the people throughout his district.”
Marijuana Majority Chairman Tom Angell first took note of the poll, telling Roll Call, “This is a great sign because we know that whenever voters are asked their position on marijuana laws the result always comes out to be strongly pro-legalization.”
Scalise’s poll comes at a time when Republicans are increasingly open to relaxing federal marijuana laws. One poll found that 50 percent of Republicans favor granting legal marijuana states a safe haven from federal law.
Senators Rand Paul, (R-Ky), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), and Cory Booker (D-N.Y.) introduced legislation last week that would give medical marijuana an exemption from federal laws, and reschedule marijuana to a Schedule II substance, freeing it up for medical research.
