OPINION:
John Boehner’s got a new gig — and it’s tied to selling marijuana.
How nice. Look at this headline from Quartz: “420,000 people were arrested for selling marijuana while John Boehner ran Congress.”
That speaks volumes, but can all be summed in a single word just the same: Hypocrite?
The man who just a few short years ago declared himself “unalterably opposed” to the legalization of marijuana has suddenly altered his view and jumped aboard the Acreage Holdings board as an adviser.
Now he says, in a tweet: “I’m convinced de-scheduling the drug is needed so we can do research, help our veterans and reverse the opioid epidemic ravaging our communities.”
What noble aspirations. And apparently, within reach — by bringing pot to the people.
“My thinking on cannabis has evolved,” Boehner explained, also on Twitter.
That’s an understatement. Reversed is more like it. Acreage Holdings touts its mission as making “cannabis available to any patient who can benefit from safe and reliable access.”
And Boehner’s not the only pol joining the board. Former Republican Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld announced, in a joint statement with Boehner, “the time has come for serious consideration of a shift in federal marijuana policy” in part, to treat PTSD and chronic pain.
Maybe the time is right for a federal shift. But how convenient, as they say. After all, the pro-pot legalization argument hasn’t changed.
The line of thoughts about the drug’s ability to help PTSD sufferers, including veterans, and those with cancer-tied and chronic pains haven’t changed.
What’s changed is Boehner’s job status.
He’s no longer accountable to the voters, free to make his money however he chooses. And apparently, he’s choosing pot, former principle be danged.
• Cheryl Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com or on Twitter, @ckchumley.
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