Let me tell you something about politicians and their penchant for drama. They have a knack for taking a kernel of truth, covering it with a thick layer of fear, and serving it up as a full-blown crisis.
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The latest serving comes from Ohio Senator JD Vance, who recently claimed that cannabis—yes, cannabis —is now laced with fentanyl, and it’s all because of the Biden administration’s border policies. You heard that right. He’s saying our teenagers are at risk of fatal overdoses because apparently, there's fentanyl in their weed.
Now, let’s break this down. Vance, who is currently Donald Trump’s VP pick, tells a crowd in Wisconsin that he’s spoken to a police officer who warned him about fentanyl-laced cannabis bags. He goes on to say that this is why he, as a parent, is worried about his kids experimenting with cannabis—or anything else, for that matter—because, according to him, it could now kill them.
First off, let’s talk about the irony here. Vance is one of those Republicans who loves to wax poetic about “states’ rights,” the idea that states should decide their own laws without federal interference. Remember how they all cheered when Roe v. Wade was overturned, insisting that abortion laws should be up to the states? Yet, when it comes to cannabis, a legal product in many states, Vance seems more interested in spreading fear than respecting those state laws. So much for consistency.
But there’s more to this story. Advocates and even some state regulators have been quick to debunk this narrative about fentanyl in cannabis. They call it a “misconception,” a story spun by law enforcement and amplified by media looking for a scare headline. Vance didn’t bother to mention that. He’s more interested in stirring up fear than talking about real solutions, like implementing regulatory frameworks that ensure cannabis is safe and free from dangerous contaminants.
And let’s not forget the bigger picture. Vance and his Republican colleagues love to talk about leaving decisions up to the states—until they don’t. In places like Texas, Republican governors aren’t letting voters decide on issues like cannabis legalization or even basic women’s rights. Instead, they’re ramming through unpopular laws, like those draconian anti-abortion measures. It’s all about control, and it’s not about respecting the will of the people.
Vance’s comments also reveal another hypocrisy. He’s worried about his kids making a mistake with cannabis, a concern many parents share. But instead of advocating for a regulated, legal market that could help mitigate these risks, he clings to prohibitionist views. He’s against cannabis legalization, even though a regulated market would mean fewer contaminants and more safeguards. It’s almost as if he’s more interested in scaring his base than in actually solving problems.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Vance isn’t entirely without nuance. He’s said that states should set their own cannabis laws, and he’s indicated that he’s not in favor of incarcerating people for low-level possession. But then he turns around and votes against bipartisan efforts to create a safe banking environment for cannabis businesses, complains about the smell of cannabis, and even suggests that its use can lead to violence. It’s like he’s talking out of both sides of his mouth—one minute supporting states’ rights, the next, undermining the very systems that could make cannabis safer for everyone.
And he’s not alone in this. Last year, Representative Vern Buchanan of Florida tried to push an amendment requiring a study on fentanyl-laced cannabis. It didn’t make it to the floor, but the mere fact that it was proposed shows how deeply these scare tactics have permeated our politics. Meanwhile, former presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy was out there claiming that China is somehow involved in producing fentanyl-laced CBD gummies. It’s all part of the same fear-mongering playbook.
Then there’s Trump, the master of mixed messages. Last week, he said he’s starting to agree that maybe people shouldn’t be jailed for cannabis, especially since it’s being legalized across the country. He didn’t come right out and endorse legalization, but he did point out the absurdity of having people in jail for something that’s legal in many states. That’s a significant departure from the usual tough-on-drugs rhetoric, but it’s also classic Trump—always keeping you guessing where he really stands.
So, where does this leave us? With a lot of noise, a lot of fear, and not much progress. Vance and his colleagues need to stop trying to scare their voters into submission and start focusing on the realities of modern America. That means respecting states’ rights, embracing regulated markets, and addressing the real issues—not just the ones that look good on a campaign flyer.
But then again, where’s the fun in that? It’s much easier to conjure up imaginary boogeymen than to do the hard work of governing. Unfortunately, while they’re busy spinning their tales, the rest of us are left to deal with the consequences.
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