Why Are Politicians Still Lying About Weed?

Well, lets go over it….

Despite overwhelming public support for cannabis legalization, some politicians continue to spread misinformation. They rely on outdated rhetoric, cherry-picked data, and fear-mongering instead of acknowledging the scientific and economic benefits of legal cannabis.

So why are they still lying? Let’s expose the contradictions, call out the worst offenders, and discuss what we can do about it.

The Usual Suspects: Politicians Spreading Misinformation

While many lawmakers are pushing for cannabis reform, others refuse to acknowledge reality. Here are some of the biggest offenders when it comes to cannabis misinformation:

Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)

🚨 Misinformation: “Marijuana is contributing to increased violent crime across the country.”
✅ Fact Check: Studies, including one from the Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, show no direct link between cannabis legalization and increased violent crime. In fact, some data suggests a decrease in violent crime rates in legalized states.

Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions

🚨 Misinformation: “Good people don’t smoke marijuana.”
✅ Fact Check: Millions of Americans—teachers, doctors, veterans, and business owners—legally use cannabis without issue. Also, cannabis-related arrests disproportionately impact Black and Latino communities, despite similar usage rates among all demographics.

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)

🚨 Misinformation: “There isn’t enough research on marijuana for us to legalize it safely.”
✅ Fact Check: The U.S. has decades of cannabis research, yet federal laws still restrict large-scale studies. Meanwhile, countries like Canada and Israel have safely legalized cannabis with extensive medical and economic benefits.

Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL)

🚨 Misinformation: “We don’t want to be known as a marijuana tourism state.”
✅ Fact Check: States like Colorado and California have successfully integrated cannabis tourism into their economies, generating billions in tax revenue while maintaining strong regulations.

Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR)

🚨 Misinformation: “Legalization will lead to more dangerous roads and accidents.”
✅ Fact Check: States with legal cannabis have not seen significant increases in traffic fatalities. In some cases, studies show fewer DUI arrests and safer driving trends compared to states with strict prohibition.

The Science vs. The Scare Tactics

Let’s break down some of the most common anti-cannabis myths that politicians push and what the actual science says:

• “Marijuana is a gateway drug.”
  🚫 False: The National Institute on Drug Abuse states there’s no proven causal link between cannabis use and harder drugs.
• “Cannabis makes people lazy and unproductive.”
  🚫 False: Many professionals, entrepreneurs, and athletes openly use cannabis. Even Apple co-founder Steve Jobs admitted to using it.
• “We don’t have enough research on cannabis.”
  🚫 False: Over 20,000 cannabis-related studies exist, covering its medical benefits, economic impact, and safety profile.
• “Cannabis legalization increases crime.”
  🚫 False: Crime rates often decrease in legalized states due to fewer illegal market activities.

Who Benefits From the Lies?

If cannabis is so widely supported and scientifically backed, why do politicians continue to push these lies? Follow the money.

💰 Big Pharma: Cannabis is a natural alternative to many prescription drugs, cutting into pharmaceutical profits.

🚔 Law Enforcement & Private Prisons: The War on Drugs fuels easy arrests, government funding, and profits for private prisons.

🏛️ Old-School Political Power Plays: Some politicians cling to outdated ideologies and receive donations from anti-cannabis groups.

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What Can You Do About It?

If you’re tired of politicians spreading lies about cannabis, take action:

✔️ Stay Informed – Read scientific studies, not fear-based propaganda.
✔️ Call Out Politicians – Write, email, or comment when they spread misinformation.
✔️ Vote for Pro-Cannabis Candidates – Support leaders who advocate for legalization.
✔️ Join Cannabis Activism Groups – Organizations like NORML and The Last Prisoner Project fight for change.

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So….

Cannabis reform isn’t just about getting high—it’s about freedom, economic opportunity, and justice. The truth is out there, and it’s up to us to demand honesty from our leaders.

Want to support cannabis-friendly businesses and stay up to date on legalization? Check out our latest articles on USAWeed.org!