US president made some of his most lengthy comments to date about substance abuse, particularly legalisation…
“First of all,” the issue of marijuana “shouldn’t be young people’s biggest priority….but you should be thinking about climate change, jobs, war and peace…”
“I’d separate out the issue of the criminalization of marijuana from encouraging its use…I think there is a legitimate concern about the overall effects this has on society, particularly vulnerable parts of our society. Substance abuse generally, legal and illegal substances, is a problem.”
“We may be able to make progress on the decriminalization side…But I always say to folks, legalization…is not a panacea. Do we feel the same way about meth? Do we feel the same way about coke? How about crack? How about heroin? There is a legitimate concern about the overall effects this has on society, particularly vulnerable parts of society. Substance abuse generally, legal and illegal substances, is a problem.”
With thanks to Kevin Sabet of SAM.
