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Ask a Pol drugs
Hosted by Ask a Pol by Matt Laslo · EN
Asking your lawmakers your drug (medicine and criminal justice, etc.) questions at your US Capitol.
www.askapoldrugs.com
www.askapoldrugs.com
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Rep. Andy Harris accuses Biden admin. of "changing the FDA rules" on rescheduling marijuana
Mar 3, 202400:01:08Tap to summarizeWho?Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD)Ask a Pol asks:“What do you make of Democrats pushing Biden and the DEA to deschedule on their own?”Key Harris: “I just object to the fact that it’s done by changing the FDA rules that they have used to set the standard,” Harris exclusively tells Ask a Pol. “That’s a problem. That’s a real problem. “The FDA already has a credibility problem, now they brought politics into this issue also.”Content posted at AskaPol.com is copyrighted. Use our original content to move the story forward, and, please, link to us.LISTEN: Laslo & Harris Below find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), slightly edited for clarity.TRANSCRIPT: Rep. Andy HarrisSCENE: Harris comes down steps of the Capitol and is treated by Ask a Pol’s Matt Laslo. Matt Laslo: “Hey.”Andy Harris: “Yeah?”ML: “What did I miss at that weed press conference?”AH: “I ain’t telling — I ain’t telling you that!”ML: “Were you guys opposing the descheduling?”AH: “What’s that?”ML: “Were you opposing the effort for the DEA to…?”AH: “That wasn’t what that was about. That was about setting up a mechanism to look at the high THC.”ML: “Oh yeah-yeah-yeah. I did hear about that. What do you make of the effort, Democrats…?”Harris gets an urgent message. AH: “Holy crap. I didn’t vote on that bill. Dammit.” ML: “Oh really? S**t.” AH: “S**t. I walked out without voting.” We turn around and head back towards the US House of Representatives. ML: “What do you make of Democrats pushing Biden and the DEA to deschedule on their own?”AH: “Excuse me?”ML: “What do you think of Democrats pushing Biden and the DEA, including Schumer, they’re pushing them to deschedule marijuana on their own?”AH: “Look, I just object to the fact that it’s done by changing the FDA rules that they have used to set the standard.”ML: “Yeah?”AH: “That’s a problem. That’s a real problem. The FDA already has a credibility problem, now they brought politics into this issue also.”Harris keeps walking past the Members Only sign. ML: “Preciate ya.”Matt Laslo’s a veteran congressional correspondent, new media prof. & founder of Ask a Pol — a new, people-powered press corps.Ask a Pol — asking your lawmakers your questions at your US Capitol This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.askapol.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.askapoldrugs.com/subscribe
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Rep. Chuy Garcia on cannabis legalization: "It’s a get-out-the-vote rally cry”
Mar 2, 202400:01:39Tap to summarizeWho?Rep. Chuy Garcia (D-IL)Ask a Pol asks:“We’re not hearing much about cannabis these days… Ahead of November, should Biden — Democrats in the Senate are calling on the DEA to [reschedule]?”Key Garcia: “Absolutely. It’s a get-out-the-vote rally cry,” Garcia exclusively told Ask a Pol. “Yeah. Hell yeah! With young people. Others, too — old f*****s too!”Caught our ear: “It’s there to be seized on, man,” Garcia says. “Either party can run with it, but we should.”“Bragging rights.” “I saw Bob Marley in concert in Chicago in 1977,” Garcia, rightfully, brags. Content posted at AskaPol.com is copyrighted. Use our original content to move the story forward, and, please, link to us.LISTEN: Laslo & Chuy GarciaBelow find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with Rep. Chuy Garcia (D-IL), slightly edited for clarity.TRANSCRIPT: Rep. Chuy GarciaMatt Laslo: “How ya doin’?”Chuy Garcia: “Hi.”ML: “We’re not hearing much about cannabis these days.”CG: “Ah, yes.” They enter an elevator in the Capitol. ML: “You’re going to two or…?”CG: “It’s the majority. They’re afraid.”ML: “Yeah? They just changed the conversation.”CG: ”Yeah.”ML: “Ahead of November, should Biden, Democrats in the Senate call on the DEA to [re-schedule]?”CG: “Absolutely. It’s a get-out-the-vote rally cry.”ML: “Right?”CG: “Yeah. Hell yeah! With young people. Others, too — old f*****s too!”ML: “Right?!”Both laugh. CG: “Middle-aged voters!”Both continue laughing.ML: “That’s where it’s kinda surprising no one’s moved on it. Even I heard Trump kinda had a plan — well, Kellyanne Conway had a plan for Trump to move on it.”CG: “Yeah. I know, it’s there to be seized on, man. Either party can run with it, but we should.”ML: “Yeah? Are you all communicating that to the White House?”CG: “No-no. Thanks for the reminder. Appreciate it.”Laslo laughs. ML: “But with Biden as a prohibitionist, opposes it, but…?”CG: “It doesn’t matter.”ML: “Yeah?”CG: “Yeah.”ML: “Because states like yours have said — they rejected it already.” CG: “Yeah.”ML: “Yeah?”CG: “Yeah. Yup.”ML: “I’m just glad you all legalized, because when I go home to visit my family, now I don’t gotta bring it with me on the plane!”CG: “Hey — I saw Bob Marley in concert in Chicago in 1977.”ML: “Oooh — I bet that was fun.”CG: “Bragging rights.” ML: “Whoo — I’m jealous now, sir!”Garcia laughs.ML: “Have a good one!”CG: “You too!”Matt Laslo’s a veteran congressional correspondent, new media prof. & founder of Ask a Pol — a new, people-powered press corps.Ask a Pol — asking your lawmakers your questions at your US Capitol. @Ask_a_Pol or @askpols This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.askapol.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.askapoldrugs.com/subscribe
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Sen. Fetterman: Biden admin. making “a mistake" by exempting military from marijuana possession pardons
Mar 1, 202400:03:23Tap to summarizeWho?Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) Ask a Pol asked:“At the end of last year, Biden announced he was gonna pardon people for small amounts of marijuana possession. Just today — or yesterday — he announced that he’s not going to extend that to the military. Do you think he should extend that to the military?” Source: US Army Clarifies That Biden’s Marijuana Pardons Don’t Apply To Military Personnel; Ben Adlin, Marijuana Moment Key Fetterman: “I would think that’s a mistake,” Fetterman exclusively tells Ask a Pol. “Weed is no different than alcohol. Well, the only difference is, is one's legal and one isn’t. One can ruin your career and another one, you can walk into a store and buy it and drink as much of it as you can and then show up in [the] morning and that's not going to endanger your career.” Paging Biden: “I would urge him to reconsider that” “I don't agree with it, and I would urge him to reconsider that. I don't think it's helpful,” Fetterman says. “If you're willing to serve our nation in the military, to be penalized by using a substance that is statistically much safer than other legal kinds of things, and now I don’t really understand the logic, truthfully, on that.” LISTEN: Laslo & Fetterman Below find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), slightly edited for clarity.(partial) TRANSCRIPT: Sen. John Fetterman Matt Laslo: “I wanted to ask you, at the end of last year, Biden announced he was gonna pardon people for small amounts of marijuana possession. Just today — or yesterday — he announced that he’s not going to extend that to the military. Do you think he should extend that to the military?” John Fetterman: “I would think that’s a mistake.”ML: “Yeah?” JF: “I think marijuana — weed is no different than alcohol. Well, the only difference is, is one's legal and one isn’t. One can ruin your career and another one, you can walk into a store and buy it and drink as much of it as you can and then show up in [the] morning and that's not going to endanger your career.” ML: “Do you think Biden's behind on this? It's like he takes one step?”JF: “I don't know. I don't agree with it, and I would urge him to reconsider that. I don't think it's helpful. If you're willing to serve our nation in the military, to be penalized by using a substance that is statistically much safer than other legal kinds of things, and now I don’t really understand the logic, truthfully, on that.” ML: “Cause it’s so popular throughout your state?” JF: “Well, it's also perfectly legal in a lot of states, as well, too. So it's — I mean, it doesn't, of course, diminish my enthusiasm for Joe Biden. And we're not going to agree on every single issue, but this doesn't happen to be one that I do agree.” ML: “Do you ever use it these days? I do. I use it for pain.” JF: “No, no, I really don't use it. But that doesn't — I don't use tobacco at all, but that should be legal. I don't drink very free frequently, but it should all be legal. So it's the same kind of substance that it should be pure, safe and legal, and allowing adults to partake, because that's their right.” ML: “With our fentanyl and overdose crisis, do we need to have a broader conversation about the war on drugs?” JF: “Of course, as well, too. There are drugs that are dangerous that shouldn't be in a conversation of legalizing it, but in terms of a conversation of, how do we address addiction and, you know, what's a path for somebody that is in the throes of addiction can be brought back to being a better parent or a public — just, I mean, it destroys lives, and it often ends life. So it clearly what's being done now isn't working. So you know, I'm making it part of a conversation, I think we should be able to do that.”ML: “As always, preciate you, sir.”Matt Laslo’s covered drug policy for Playboy, Rolling Stone, VICE News Tonight, Daily Beast, VICE News, etc. He’s also a new media prof. & the founder of Ask a Pol — a new, people-powered press corps.Ask a Pol — asking your lawmakers your questions at your US Capitol. @AskaPol_drugs This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.askapol.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.askapoldrugs.com/subscribe
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EXCLUSIVE — Rep. Earl Blumenauer on DEA, Biden & SAFER
Feb 23, 202400:01:22Tap to summarizeWho?Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)Ask a Pol asks:“We didn’t see anything with SAFER? Or do you think the DEA is the root to go?”Key Blumenauer: “I think the DEA is the route,” Blumenauer exclusively tells Ask a Pol. “It’s more direct. The legislative process is very uncertain — more uncertain than ever — and the DEA strips it away, gets what we need in terms of tax and research.”Caught our ear:“It should be a no-brainer for the president. If you want to energize the young people and do the right thing and repair your legacy,” Blumenauer tells Ask a Pol.“It hits all the boxes, and it’s the right thing to do.”LISTEN: Laslo & BlumenauerBelow find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), slightly edited for clarity.TRANSCRIPT: Laslo & BlumenauerMatt Laslo: “Are we going to see anything with SAFER? Or do you think the DEA is the route to go?”Earl Blumenauer: “I think the DEA is the route.”ML: “Is that just a recognition of the politics up here?”EB: “It’s more direct. The legislative process is very uncertain — more uncertain than ever — and the DEA strips it away, gets what we need in terms of tax and research.”ML: “Yeah. And you think ahead of November this should be a no-brainer for your party? As we’ve talked about in the last five or six elections.”EB: “It should be a no-brainer for the president. If you want to energize the young people and do the right thing and repair your legacy.”ML: “Yeah? And also the African American communities he now needs?”EB: “It hits all the boxes, and it’s the right thing to do.”ML: “What are your thoughts on SAFER? Is it just too complicated for folks?”EB: “I don’t know yet. It’s still in process.”ML: “Cause it feels like Republicans changed their rhetoric once it came out?”EB: “That would be strange.” (sarcastically)ML: “Right? Appreciate you, sir.”Content posted at AskaPol.com is copyrighted. Use our original content to move the story forward, and, please, link to us.Matt Laslo’s a veteran congressional correspondent, new media prof. & founder of Ask a Pol — a new, people-powered press corps.Ask a Pol — asking your lawmakers your questions at your US Capitol. @Ask_a_Pol or @askpols This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.askapol.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.askapoldrugs.com/subscribe
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EXCLUSIVE — Sen. Coons on migration and American's "voracious appetite for drugs & ... weapons"
Jan 28, 202400:01:43Tap to summarizeWho? Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) — Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ask a Pol asked: “What role do you think US drug policy plays in destabilizing Latin American and South America?”Clutch Coons: “I think the amount of weapons coming from the United States into Mexico and Central America is significantly destabilizing. A bipartisan group that I traveled with to Mexico City heard that directly from President López Obrador, and every meeting I've been in — whether it's Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rico or Mexico — we say to them, ‘you got to interdict more people, you gotta…’ and they say, ‘it's your voracious appetite for drugs and the weapons that are being smuggled down that's destabilizing our country.’” Matt Laslo’s covered drug policy for Playboy, Rolling Stone, VICE, Daily Beast, VICE News Tonight, etc. He’s also a new media prof. & founder of Ask a Pol — the new, people-powered press corps.LISTEN: Laslo & Coons Below find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE), slightly edited for clarity.We’re free (for now) but our labor ain’t … alms?TRANSCRIPT: Sen. Chris Coons Matt Laslo: “Hey, how are you? What role do you think US drug policy plays in destabilizing Latin American and South America? It doesn't seem like that's part of these talks at all.” Chris Coons: “I think the amount of weapons coming from the United States into Mexico and Central America is significantly destabilizing. A bipartisan group that I traveled with to Mexico City heard that directly from President López Obrador, and every meeting I've been in — whether it's Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rico or Mexico — we say to them, ‘you got to interdict more people, you gotta…’ and they say, ‘it's your voracious appetite for drugs and the weapons that are being smuggled down that's destabilizing our country.’ I think there is room there for a better working partnership.”Coons turns to group of three passing us. CC: “Mr. President.”Shawn Fain: “Hey, how you doing.” Coons and I were talking right at the entrance of the US Capitol’s Mansfield Room where Senate Democrats were meeting for lunch and an address by UAW’s president. CC: “Senator Coons from Delaware.” SF: “Oh, yeah. Good to see ya.” CC: “Looking forward to your remarks.” ML: “But that doesn’t really come up here in these talks?” CC: “In the border security talks?” ML: “Yeah. Right? Drug policy is sacrosanct…” CC: “You should ask one of the three sitting at the table.”ML: “Oh, yeah.”CC: “There is $1.2 billion for fentanyl interdiction in the appropriations piece of it. But a broader, ‘we need to reform our drug policy’? I don’t know. I think they’re talking about a very narrow path.” ML: “But then doesn't that just perpetuate this?”Coons’ eyes get animated and scream, “Yes!” ML: “Yeah?” Laslo laughs. ML: “Que sera sera. Preciate ya.” CC: “Have a good one.” Ask a Pol — asking your lawmakers your questions at your US Capitol. Follow us: @Ask_a_Pol (or @askpols on Insta).Take typos up with Congress (& please alert us — we hate them more than they annoy you…)! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.askapol.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.askapoldrugs.com/subscribe
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Sen. Kevin Cramer is looking to clarify parts of new, SAFER Banking Act
Sep 26, 202300:05:09Tap to summarizeBelow find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive with Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), slightly edited for clarity. Matt Laslo: “Safer banking. What do you make of this new section?” Kevin Cramer: “I think, this new section—it’s not so much a new section, it’s new language in the other section, the section 10 piece. I think it's fine.”ML: “It’s got an ‘r’ on it—safer.”KC: “Yeah. Actually, I like the name better too. I think it's a good ‘r.’ Yeah, I think it's a good ‘r.’”ML: “Why is that?”KC: “Well, it's clearer on what the regulators can’t do as it relates to discrimination, as it relates to ESG as a non dispositive, you know, reputational risk not dispositive in the decisions to lend. So I think it clears up—it's a little bit, it gets a little bit more wordy than it needs to be and I'd like to see that clarified a little bit. With that said, I think it adds value to the bill, and it certainly adds Republicans to it.”ML: “Because some of that non clarified language could trip up industry?” KC: “That's exactly right. Industry, investment likes certainty, and anytime there's too much authority either given or implied to a bureaucracy, the more uncomfortable it is for people that invest in these businesses. So yeah, I'd like to get that—but that said, it's a better bill than it was.”ML: “Why is that? Which side caved more? Which side gained?” KC: “Well, that's the beauty of good sausage. Is that it’s a transaction that involves people on both sides. Anybody who’s super offended by the marijuana side of it, probably, this isn't quite enough. But for people who are sort of close or in toward the middle or on the fence, I think it helps a lot.”ML: “Yeah.” KC: “As for me, one of the things, you know this about me, you all know this about me. I'm not hiding the SAFE part of it by focusing on the other part of it. I’m for both, so I'm one of those. And I just assume to be transparent about that, because my state, North Dakota’s a state that legalized medicinal marijuana. So I do have that industry in my state, and I do have banks and credit unions who like to at least provide them a checking account. And I'd like them to have a checking account.” ML: “Have you ever tried it?” KC: “I have not. I have not, no.” ML: “Come over to my crib. I’m growing four plants.” KC: “That’s fine.” ML: “Hey, I invited Elizabeth Warren over to come and taste it and try it for the first time in Rolling Stone.” KC: “How’d it go?” ML: “She didn’t say no.”KC: “There you go.” ML: “She laughed awkwardly.” KC: “I bet she did. That’s her way. Anyway, all of that said, I'm good with both sides of it. Obviously, politically, it’s an easier sell the way it is. And I think it's, I actually think it's one of the better examples in recent times of a transactional deal. Where common ground respond and compromise still win the day.” The interview keeps going, but I have to run to the Capitol to cover Senate and House votes…Since 2006, Matt Laslo’s covered drug policy—from its medicinal promises to the justice system—for Rolling Stone, Playboy, VICE/ VICE News Tonight, The Daily Beast, NPR, et. He runs The LCB—a regionally-focused, national wire service—and he lectures on new media at Johns Hopkins University (MA). Ask a Pol is a new, people-powered press corps, asking your lawmakers your questions at your US Capitol. Follow us on the socials @Ask_a_Pol (or@askpols on Insta). This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.askapol.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.askapoldrugs.com/subscribe
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