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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.
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Markey refuses to sponsor SAFER Banking Act, even after supporting SAFE
Dec 11, 202400:03:27Tap to summarizeWho? Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) Bonus!Throughout the 118th Congress, Ask a Pol’s Matt Laslo has repeatedly asked Sen. Ed Markey about the SAFER Banking Act — which would protect his state’s recreational marijuana marketplace — but the senator never had an answer as to whether he supports it or even knows what it is. Scroll down to listen to two of those exclusives for FREE. Transcripts at bottom. LISTEN: Laslo & Markey I (5-23-2024)Ask a Pol asks (Interview I) — May 23, 2024 Why were you a sponsor of SAFE Banking Act but not listed as a sponsor for the SAFER Banking Act?Key Markey (Interview I): “[Need my] Banking staffer to bring me up to speed,” Sen. Ed Markey exclusively told Ask a Pol ahead of Congress’ Memorial Day recess. Caught our ear (Interview I) — on DEA rescheduling “Honestly, you can see that you’re testing my knowledge,” Markey told us. “You’re testing my staff work.” LISTEN: Laslo & Markey II — June 12, 2024 Ask a Pol asks (Interview II):Where are you on the SAFER Banking Act?Key Markey (Interview II) — “I don’t have a contemporary comment at this point in time,” Sen. Markey exclusively told Ask a Pol throughout the 118th Congress. Below find two rough transcripts of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interviews with Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA), slightly edited for clarity.TRANSCRIPT II: Sen. Ed Markey (6-12-2024) SCENE: Sen. Markey just exited the tram underneath the US Capitol when Ask a Pol’s Matt Laslo follows up with the senator on their pre-Memorial Day cannabis chat (that transcript is below). Matt Laslo: “Do you know where you are on SAFER? SAFER Banking Act?”Ed Markey: “I don’t have — I don’t have a contemporary comment at this point in time. My apologies.”ML: “Okay. No worries. Preciate ya.”Ask a Pol drugs is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.TRANSCRIPT I: Sen. Ed Markey (5-23-2024)SCENE: Just ahead of Congress’ Memorial Day recess, Ask a Pol’s Matt Laslo spotted Sen. Markey and his aides inside the Cups coffee shop in the basement of the Senate Russell Office Building, so he posted up in the drab hall outside for more than 30 minutes as he waited for them to finish. Matt Laslo: “A potentially quick question for you…”Sen. Markey laughs.ML: “You were a sponsor of SAFE Banking Act but you’re not listed as a sponsor for SAFER Banking..?”Ed Markey: “Honestly, right now, you’re, like, triggering…”Laslo laughs as Markey points to the staffers with him. ML: “Not flashbacks?”EM: “…and the call he’s gonna make over to the Banking staffer to bring me up to speed on whatever…”ICYMI — Join Ask a Pol’s VIP subscriber-only chat!ML: “Uh-ah. But you’re not…”EM: “…whatever thinking, the cerebral mechanisms of our staff engagement or whatever oversights…”ML: “Cerebral might be bad with this issue.”EM: “Huh?”ML: “Cerebral might be bad with this issue.”Markey laughs. SUBSCRIBER-ONLY CONTENT**Student? Lost your gig? Hard times? Been there. Got you. No questions asked. Just ping us.EM: “No, I’m just saying...” ML: “What have you thought of the DEA moving to reschedule? Cause I’m curious if that takes away some of the leverage that some in your party want expungements.”EM: “Honestly, you can see that you’re testing my knowledge.”ML: “Cool. Hey, I will look for you after the holiday.”EM: “You’re testing my staff work.”ML: “No, I’ll contact your staff during the holidays.”Both laugh.ML: “Have a good one, sir.”EM: “Thank you. By the way, have a good break. You still gotta produce 600 words a day, right?”ML: “I’m heading out to California for a wedding tonight.”EM: “Where do you go?”ML: “Five-ish.”EM: “Where to?”ML: “Oh, right outside of LA — Simi Valley.” EM: “Very nice.”ML: “Is it? My cousin lives there. I don’t know. I just know it’s not gonna be this warm.”EM: “This is ridiculous, how did we get to this?”ML: “When did we stop getting spring?”Sen. Markey laughs.EM: “Well, right now — I’ll give you the number — in Boston it’s now five degrees warmer in the winter than it was in 1970.”ML: “Really?”EM: “So we now have Philadelphia’s weather from 1970.”ML: “Yeah, really?”EM: “We don’t have the sports teams but that five degrees — I have not seen a kid skate on a pond…”ML: “Really?”EM: “…in like 10 years. That used to be our whole life.”ML: “Yeah, I’m from Midwest Chicago. We would always skate on ponds.”EM: “And DC is getting — you can feel…”(inaudible)ML: “Feels like the gridlock.”EM: “So, I’m sorry. Okay, SAFER — I got it.”ML: “I know, I’m still looking at the differences. Have a good one, sir.”Markey hops on the underground tram with his staff, as Laslo hops on with a colleague and vents… Andrey Beregovskiy and Walken Whalen contributed to this report. Content posted at AskaPol.com is copyrighted. Use our original content to move the story forward. And, please, link to us. 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. Collins supports SAFER Banking but says "I still have reservations" about marijuana
Dec 10, 202400:02:16Tap to summarizeWho?Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME)LISTEN: Laslo & Collins (& Heinrich) Ask a Pol asks:Are you still supportive of the SAFER Banking Act?Key Collins:“I am,” Sen. Susan Collins exclusively told Ask a Pol. ICYMI — New #2: Senate GOP Whip anti-marijuana Caught our ear:“Though I still have reservations,” Collins told us.Below find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), slightly edited for clarity.ICYMI — Join Ask a Pol’s VIP subscriber-only chat!TRANSCRIPT: Sen. Susan Collins SCENE: Ask a Pol’s Matt Laslo is on a Senate elevator interviewing Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) on the SAFER Banking Act when Sen. Susan Collins overhears and then joins the conversation. Martin Heinrich: “…yeah. I wouldn't move that kind of cash without an armored car.”Matt Laslo:“That's literally creating a public health issue. That’s interesting.”Susan Collins: “That’s an interesting conversation to drop into.”ML: “You’re still supportive of SAFER Banking, right?”SC: “I am.”ML: “Yep. Thank you, ma’am.”Andrey Beregovskiy and Walken Whalen contributed to this report.Content posted at AskaPol.com is copyrighted. Use our original content to move the story forward. And, please, link to us. 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. Tuberville says marijuana rescheduling for Congress, not DEA
Dec 9, 202400:01:09Tap to summarizeWho?Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) LISTEN: Laslo & TubervilleAsk a Pol asks:What do you think about the DEA — Drug Enforcement Administration — moving to reschedule marijuana?Key Tuberville: “That's wrong,” Sen. Tommy Tuberville exclusively told Ask a Pol. ICYMI — Biden ally, Sen. Carper not on board w/ SAFER Caught our ear: “It needs to go through this building,” Tuberville told us while walking through the US Capitol. Below find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), slightly edited for clarity.ICYMI — Join Ask a Pol’s VIP subscriber-only chat!TRANSCRIPT: Sen. Tommy TubervilleSCENE: Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s heading to cast a vote on the Senate floor when Ask a Pol’s Matt Laslo catches up with him on the SAFER Banking Act. Matt Laslo: “What do you make of the DEA saying that they're gonna move to reschedule marijuana on their own?”SUBSCRIBER-ONLY CONTENT**Student? Lost your gig? Hard times? Been there. Got you. No questions asked. Just ping us.Tommy Tuberville: “That's wrong.”ML: “It's wrong?”TT: “Yeah, wrong.” Laslo’s nodding. TT: “Yeah. No, it needs to go through this building…”ML: “Yeah?” TT: “…not just the White House — or, not just the DEA.” ML: “Yep?”Tuberville starts walking away. ML: “Preciate ya, sir.”Andrey Beregovskiy and Walken Whalen contributed to this report.Content posted at AskaPol.com is copyrighted. Use our original content to move the story forward. And, please, link to us. 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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Cruz: rescheduling marijuana is "disregard for the Constitution"
Dec 6, 202400:01:27Tap to summarizeWho?Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) LISTEN: Laslo & Cruz I (5-23-2024)Ask a Pol asks:What do you think of the DEA — Drug Enforcement Administration — moving on marijuana without an act of Congress?Key Cruz on DEA: “I think the Biden administration behaves like unaccountable executives with a disregard for the Constitution,” Sen. Ted Cruz exclusively told Ask a Pol. Ask a Pol drugs is a reader-supported independent news outlet. Please consider supporting us!LISTEN: Laslo & Cruz II (6-5-2024)SAFER Banking Act follow-up: “Call our press office,” Cruz told us. Below find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interviews with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), slightly edited for clarity.TRANSCRIPT I: Sen. Ted Cruz SCENE: Ask a Pol’s Matt Laslo greets Sen. Ted Cruz as the senator and his aides are making their way up a basement escalator to a bank of elevators beneath the US Senate floor. Matt Laslo: “How are you?” Ted Cruz: “Good. How’s it going?” ML: “What do you think of the DEA moving on marijuana?” TC: “What do I think of what?” ML: “What do you think of the DEA moving on marijuana — you know, bypassing you all?” TC: “I think the Biden administration behaves like unaccountable executives with a disregard for the Constitution.”Cruz is entering an elevator as he answers. ML: “Yep? Thank you, sir.”Laslo repeats what he heard Cruz say in case his mic didn’t catch it. ML: “With a disregard for the Constitution.” ICYMI — Don’t forget to send us your questions!TRANSCRIPT II: Sen. Ted Cruz SCENE: Sen. Ted Cruz and aides are approaching the US Capitol via the underground tram tunnel when Ask a Pol’s Matt Laslo briefly asks him about the SAFER Banking Act. Matt Laslo: “Hey, Sen. Cruz?” Ted Cruz: “Yup?” ML: “Do you know where you are on SAFER Banking Act?” TC: “Um…” ML: “That’s the marijuana, cannabis one…” TC: “Yeah. Call our press office.” ML: “But you’re not readily…?”Cruz and entourage keep walking past Laslo. ML: “Thank you, sir.” Andrey Beregovskiy and Walken Whalen contributed to this report.Content posted at AskaPol.com is copyrighted. Use our original content to move the story forward. And, please, link to us. 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. Grassley: SAFER will "screw up our money laundering laws"
Dec 4, 202400:01:29Tap to summarizeWho?Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) — Senate Judiciary Committee LISTEN: Laslo & GrassleyAsk a Pol asks: What do you think about the DEA — Drug Enforcement Administration — moving to reschedule marijuana?Key Grassley: “That'd be bad because recreational marijuana leads to other high drug — hard drugs,” Sen. Chuck Grassley exclusively told Ask a Pol. Subscribe for FREE & our latest hits your inbox first. Or consider a VIP subscription to show you support our independent journalism!ICYMI — Sen. Tillis tells us SAFER Banking’s "half-ass”Caught our ear on SAFER Banking “I think that it is going to screw up our money laundering laws, and we shouldn't do anything that's gonna encourage more money laundering,” Grassley told us. Below find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), slightly edited for clarity.ICYMI — Join Ask a Pol’s VIP subscriber-only chat!TRANSCRIPT: Sen. Chuck GrassleySCENE: Sen. Chuck Grassley’s heading to the US Capitol via the Senate’s basement when Ask a Pol’s Matt Laslo proceeds to escort him to the bank of elevators leading up to the Senate floor. Matt Laslo: “Do you have any thoughts on the DEA moving on marijuana to reschedule it?”Chuck Grassley: “That would be bad…SUBSCRIBER-ONLY CONTENT**Student? Lost your gig? Hard times? Been there. Got you. No questions asked. Just ping us.CG: “…because recreational marijuana leads to other high drug — hard drugs.”ML: “Where are you on the SAFER Banking Act?”CG: “I think that it is going to screw up our money laundering laws.” ML: “Yeah?” CG: “And we shouldn't do anything that's gonna encourage more money laundering.”ML: “Yeah? I'll be watching.”An attendant ushers Grassley toward the open Senator’s Only elevator in the Senate basement. Attendant: “Here you go, Senator Grassley.” ML: “Preciate you, sir.”Andrey Beregovskiy and Walken Whalen contributed to this report.Content posted at AskaPol.com is copyrighted. Use our original content to move the story forward. And, please, link to us. 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. Warner: US cannabis law "doesn't make sense," encourages crime
Dec 3, 202400:01:50Tap to summarizeWho?Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) — Senate Banking, Housing, Urban Affairs CommitteeLISTEN: Laslo & WarnerAsk a Pol asks:What do you think about the DEA — Drug Enforcement Administration — moving to reschedule marijuana?Key Warner: “The idea that the federal government still classifies it as a drug similar to heroin, doesn't seem to make much sense to me,” Sen. Mark Warner exclusively told Ask a Pol. ICYMI — Ask a Pol exclusive with next Secretary of State… SAFER Banking?“I've been supportive of it,” Warner told us. Caught our ear on current system: “This seem to be counterintuitive, in terms of, if you wanna try to push out the criminal element,” Warner told us.Below find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), slightly edited for clarity.ICYMI — Join Ask a Pol’s VIP subscriber-only chat!TRANSCRIPT: Sen. Mark WarnerSCENE: Sen. Mark Warner awaits a tram underneath the US Capitol when Ask a Pol’s Matt Laslo catches up with him. Matt Laslo: “Have you ever looked at DEA rescheduling marijuana? Are you supportive of that?”Mark Warner: “Yeah, I'm generally supportive…” SUBSCRIBER-ONLY CONTENT**Student? Lost your gig? Hard times? Been there. Got you. No questions asked. Just ping us.MW: “…I think the idea, when we've got marijuana in one form or another legalized in, I believe, over half the states right now — the idea that the federal government still classifies it as a drug similar to heroin, doesn't seem to make much sense to me.”ML: “And have you looked at the SAFER Banking Act? Are you supportive of that?”MW: “I've been supportive of it. Yeah, I'm supportive of it. I think in—”ML: “And the clemency efforts as well?”MW: “On the SAFER, because why do you have a system where people can legally purchase marijuana, but you can't use the banking system? This seem to be counterintuitive, in terms of, if you wanna try to push out the criminal element.”ML: “I mean having millions of dollars in cash is a public safety issue. Preciate ya.”Andrey Beregovskiy and Walken Whalen contributed to this report.Content posted at AskaPol.com is copyrighted. Use our original content to move the story forward. And, please, link to us. 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. Hassan's undecided on marijuana, SAFER Banking Act
Dec 3, 202400:01:14Tap to summarizeWho?Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) LISTEN: Laslo & HassanAsk a Pol asks:What is your position on the SAFER Banking Act?Key Hassan: “I'm still getting a lot of feedback from constituents,” Sen. Maggie Hassan exclusively told Ask a Pol. ICYMI — Ask a Pol’s exclusives w/ all 100 US senators Below find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), slightly edited for clarity.ICYMI — Join Ask a Pol’s VIP subscriber-only chat!TRANSCRIPT: Sen. Maggie HassanSCENE: Ask a Pol’s Matt Laslo catches Sen. Maggie Hassan outside of the tram underneath the US Capitol before the senator’s blocker — an aide who interjects anytime any reporter simply asks Hassan her non-talking point drenched thoughts — cuts her boss off. Matt Laslo: “I was wondering, do you know where you are on the SAFER Banking Act?”Staffer: “Sorry, we actually really have to get back to the office. Sorry about that.” ML: “Yeah?”Maggie Hassan: “And, you know, I'm still getting a lot of feedback from constituents.”ML: “Yep. Thank you.”MH: “No problem.”Andrey Beregovskiy and Walken Whalen contributed to this report.Content posted at AskaPol.com is copyrighted. Use our original content to move the story forward. And, please, link to us.VIP-ONLY CONTENT**Student? Lost your gig? Hard times? Been there. Got you. No questions asked. Just ping us. 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. Tina Smith says rescheduling marijuana is a "good move"
Dec 2, 202400:01:37Tap to summarizeWho? Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) — Senate Banking, Housing, Urban Affairs CommitteeLISTEN: Laslo & Smith Ask a Pol asks:What do you think about the DEA — Drug Enforcement Administration — moving to reschedule marijuana?Key Smith: “I think that's a very good move,” Sen. Tina Smith exclusively told Ask a Pol. ICYMI — Ask a Pol exclusive w/ a Republican doctor Support SAFER Banking? “Yeah,” Smith told us. “Oh, absolutely.” Below find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN), slightly edited for clarity.TRANSCRIPT: Sen. Tina SmithSCENE: Sen. Tina Smith’s walking through the Capitol’s basement on her way to vote on the Senate floor. Matt Laslo: “Any thoughts on the DEA move to reschedule marijuana?”Apologies, Laslo’s mic was booting up as he asked his first question… Tina Smith: “I think that's a very good move.”ML: “Yeah?”SUBSCRIBER-ONLY CONTENT**Student? Lost your gig? Hard times? Been there. Got you. No questions asked. Just ping us.TS: “Yeah. I think it's a very good move. And I think, even though we're unable to do anything legislatively, I think it's a move towards just reasonableness and equity. And I'm very glad to see the president do it.”ML: “Does that take away leverage though for getting something like clemency?”TS: “Oh, I hope not.”ML: “Yeah?”TS: “I mean, I think we have to — I mean, you know, that's extremely important. And, you know, we have pieces of legislation that we should be able to move and get done. But I think that it is just a really positive step in the right direction.”ML: “And then SAFER Banking Act? Supportive of it?”TS: “Yeah. Oh, absolutely.”ML: “Thank you, ma'am.”Andrey Beregovskiy and Walken Whalen contributed to this report.Content posted at AskaPol.com is copyrighted. Use our original content to move the story forward. And, please, link to us. 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. Kennedy "still studying" SAFER marijuana Banking Act
Nov 30, 202400:02:06Tap to summarizeWho?Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA)LISTEN: Laslo & KennedyAsk a Pol asks:Does DEA rescheduling complicate SAFER Banking? Key Kennedy:”Well, sure,” Sen. John Kennedy exclusively told Ask a Pol. “The way the Feds have it set up complicates banking, but that's not the issue. The issue is to make good social policy, to make legal marijuana that has 10 times more THC in it than it did when I was growing up.“ICYMI — Incoming Senate Whip is anti-cannabis Caught our ear on SAFER: “I'm still studying it,” Kennedy told us.Below find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA), slightly edited for clarity.TRANSCRIPT: Sen. John KennedySCENE: Sen. John Kennedy just exited the underground tram leading from Senate Office Buildings to the US Capitol when Ask a Pol’s Matt Laslo catches up with him and proceeds to hop an elevator with him up to the Senate floor. Matt Laslo: “Hey, how are you, sir?”John Kennedy: “Good, Matt.”ML: “I was curious your thoughts on the Biden administration moving to reschedule marijuana on their own through the DEA?”JK: “They’re just trying to pander...” SUBSCRIBER-ONLY CONTENT**Student? Lost a gig? Hard times? Been there. Got you. No questions asked. Just ping us.ML: “Yeah?”JK: “…to what they perceive to be the youth vote. That’s a long way from being legalized. Sooner or later, we're gonna have to face the fact that marijuana today has substantially more THC than the marijuana that was prevalent when a lot of these old folks voted on the bill.”ML: “Having them move on their own, does that complicate SAFER banking?”JK: “Well, sure, the way the Feds have it set up complicates banking, but that's not the issue. The issue is to make good social policy to make legal marijuana that has 10 times more THC in it than it did when I was growing up.” ML: “Where are you on the SAFER Banking Act? Are you supportive of that or wary of that?”JK: “I'm still studying it.”ML: “Yep. Preciate ya, sir.” Andrey Beregovskiy and Walken Whalen contributed to this report.Content posted at AskaPol.com is copyrighted. Use our original content to move the story forward. And, please, link to us. 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. Moran undecided on SAFER but bankers bring it up to him
Nov 29, 202400:01:29Tap to summarizeWho?Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) LISTEN: Laslo & MoranAsk a Pol asks:What are your thoughts on SAFER Banking Act? Key Moran: “I know it's out there — my bankers talk to me about it — but no,” Sen. Jerry Moran exclusively told Ask a Pol. ICYMI — Exclusive w/ Secretary of State nominee Caught our ear:“I’ll wait til I have to make a decision,” Moran told us. Below find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS), slightly edited for clarity.ICYMI — Join Ask a Pol’s VIP subscriber-only chat!TRANSCRIPT: Sen. Jerry MoranSCENE: Sen. Moran exits the tram underneath the US Capitol when Ask a Pol’s Matt Laslo grrets him before he hops an elevator to go vote on the Senate chamber. Matt Laslo: “Hey, how are you, sir?”Jerry Moran: “How are you?”ML: “Livin’ the dream. Any thoughts on the DEA moving to reschedule marijuana?”SUBSCRIBER-ONLY CONTENT**Student? Lost your gig? Hard times? Been there. Got you. No questions asked. Just ping us.JM: “None. None that I've...”ML: “Yeah?”JM: “I just haven't given it much thought.”ML: “Yeah? Have you looked at the SAFER Banking Act?”JM: “No. I mean, I know it's out there — my bankers talk to me about it — but no.”ML: “But you're not...”JM: “I wait…”ML: “Yeah?”JM: “I’ll wait til I have to make a decision.”ML: “What about clemency for past marijuana convictions?”JM: “I don't think about that either.”ML: “I know. Gotta ask though. Preciate ya.”Andrey Beregovskiy and Walken Whalen contributed to this report.Content posted at AskaPol.com is copyrighted. Use our original content to move the story forward. And, please, link to us. 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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